Board of Health sets '09 priorities

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The Board of Health held their first meetings of 2009 on January 14, 2009 at the North Bay office of North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. All 2008 board members are returning for another term except for Nipissing District/West member, John Dobbs. Elections were held and Mac Bain, was re-elected as chair for 2009 and Janet McNabb as vice chair. The board welcomed Dr. Jim Chirico, the new Acting Medical Officer of Health.

Priorities for 2009, include:

• implementing the new Ontario Public Health Standards
• operating the health unit based on community needs
• increasing the focus on results and accountability
• building solid, lasting partnerships
• enhancing staff recruitment and retention
• strengthening technology

The new Public Health Standards establish the programs and services the health unit is required to implement. These standards include:

• assessing the health of our residents;
• monitoring diseases in the community;
• developing the community’s social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities to achieve their full potential;

• developing policies that make it easier for residents to be healthy;
• preventing diseases and injuries;
• protecting the health of the public.

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