Peterborough Public Health to Celebrate its 130th Anniversary in 2019
Written by Communications, November 14, 2018
Peterborough Historical Society and Peterborough Public Health Partner for an Anniversary Event Planned for Saturday, February 9, 2019 – Save the Date!
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will be marking a very special milestone in 2019 – the 130th anniversary for the Board of Health for the County and City of Peterborough.
“We’re really looking forward to sharing the strong, local history of public health and highlighting the many individuals who made incredible contributions to our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Celebrating the Board of Health’s 130th anniversary is a great opportunity to show residents how public health plays a unique role shaping our lives for the better.”
On February 18, 1889, a by-law was passed to create the first permanent Board of Health by the Town of Peterborough. Since that time, public health professionals together with community partners have implemented an impressive number of programs, services and infrastructure projects that have fundamentally improved the quality of life for local residents. On January 22, 1965, an agreement was signed between the County of Peterborough and the City of Peterborough to establish a joint Board of Health and organization.
Several activities are being planned throughout 2019 connecting the public health histories of the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. The crowning event, organized by the Peterborough Historical Society (PHS) and PPH, will be a one-day conference on February 9, 2019 at PPH’s location on 185 King St. in downtown Peterborough. It will feature guest speakers presenting on different aspects of public health over the distant and recent past, and include a lunch and refreshment breaks. Speakers confirmed to date will cover diverse topics, including Indigenous healing practices, the history of the local Board of Health, environmental and public health implications of Great Lakes management, the history of controlling infectious diseases in Ontario, public health nursing, milk pasteurization, the role of Women’s Institutes, and the history of Peterborough’s leadership establishing smoke-free bylaws.
The anniversary event will also provide an opportunity for local historians to chronicle many of the public health milestones in the townships and rural communities. “So much of the local public health story belongs to the communities and the residents of this area. We’ll celebrate their contributions to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of both the Indigenous peoples and the settlers who came to the Peterborough area,” said Professor Dale Standen, President of the PHS and one of the organizers of the February one-day conference.
Residents are encouraged to “save the date” and watch for further updates on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/130.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391