Let’s Make Health a Priority This Election
Written by admin, October 16, 2014
October 16, 2014 – Public Health Launches Public Health Primer for Voters
Today Peterborough Public Health launched a new document entitled “Let’s Make Health a Priority” to help voters understand how municipal policies affect public health.
“Municipalities pay for 25% of all public health spending, so they can have a big impact on important issues such as poverty, healthy built environments and food security,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “We hope this election primer will give voters a tool they can use when discussing public health issues with municipal candidates.”
The four-page document highlights eight priorities where municipal policies play a key role in public health. These are:
- Food security
- Poverty
- Alcohol policies
- Water fluoridation
- Food access
- Housing
- Air Quality
- Active Transportation
Dr. Salvaterra noted that every municipal candidate in Peterborough City and County has received a copy of the primer via email.
Decisions made by municipal governments impact all aspects of residents’ lives. Active communities, a clean environment, and ensuring health for all people regardless of background or income level are key considerations in municipal decision-making.
Copies of the primer are available by contacting Public Health at 705-743-1000 or info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391