News Release Archive
HEALTH--TO OUR GOOD HEALTH ----------------------------------------------------------------- A comprehensive information kit, entitled To Our Good Health, designed to help communities establish community health boards (CHBs) was formally released today by Health Minister Ron Stewart. The kit, developed in close partnership with the province's four regional health boards (RHBs), is yet another step to support community involvement in health care planning. CHBs will be the forum for local residents to help identify how their community can be a healthier place to live. The information kit demonstrates how health care in Nova Scotia is gradually becoming more and more consumer, family and community-focused. "It's important for local residents to participate in the design of their health care system as they understand their community and its specific needs at a grass-roots level," said Dr. Stewart. "Through their community health board, residents will have access to the information and the mechanisms they need to participate in decisions about how primary care services will be provided, and the programs that are most important to their area," he said. The CHB kit provides detailed information about the role of the board, how it fits in the new health care planning and decision-making process as well as how people can become involved. Information ranges from how to initially establish a CHB to selecting board members and to establishing CHB boundaries. The minister said that boundaries are for planning purposes only and will not restrict where people can receive services. The Department of Health, in partnership with the regional boards and representatives from a variety of health related community groups, has also been working on an orientation and continuing education program for CHB members. The program will provide access to the information and skills the CHB members will need to fulfill their important mandate. Support for their ongoing education needs has been built into the implementation plan for CHBs through the Health System Reform Branch. CHB development across the province is a priority for the Department of Health. It was a major component of Nova Scotia's Blueprint For Health System Reform and the progress report, From Blueprint to Building. It is expected that the first community boards will be in place this spring. -30- For further information, or for a copy of To Our Good Health, Contact: Sue McKeage 902-424-3581. trp Apr. 17, 1996 - 3:35 p.m.