Public Health Seeks Public’s Input
Written by admin, October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012 – Community Invited to Help Build Board of Health’s Five-Year Strategic Plan
The Peterborough Public Health is asking local residents to take part in helping to design the organization’s future.
This fall, Board of Health has embarked on a strategic planning process. To make Public Health’s 2013-17 strategic plan truly meaningful and effective, the Board is looking for input from the public as well as from local stakeholders. The process to come up with the plan will include inviting all county and city residents to attend one of several Community Open Houses taking place in October and November. Public Health representatives will also hold focus groups with members of Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, youth, and local community and health care partners.
“Many challenges and opportunities are before us,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Our board believes it is essential for us reach out and gather input directly from residents in the communities that we serve.”
Board of Health Chair Andy Sharpe agrees. “The need for public health solutions has never been greater, so a strategic plan that is built on really listening to our community members is more important now that ever,” said Mr. Sharpe. “How are we doing? What do we do well? What could we be better at? Are there gaps in public health programs that you think we need to fill? Do you need to know more about us, and what we do?”
These are all important questions. Local area residents are encouraged to provide feedback by attending one of the following Community Open Houses:
- Monday, October 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Norwood Town Hall
- Tuesday, October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lakefield Marshland Centre
- Monday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion
- Tuesday, November 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library
“We are ready to listen,” assured Dr. Salvaterra. “Your input will help shape Public Health’s new strategic directions, and how and why we initiate them.”
Dedicated open houses will also be organized for area youth. Community members will also be invited to share their feedback in a ten-minute online survey, details to be announced shortly.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391