The Relationship with the School System

One of the themes arising from the needs assessment is the emphasis that must be placed on youth and their health and well-being.  In particular, people who participated in the needs assessment process spoke about the need for strong collaborative relationships between the school system and the health system.  Arising from this theme, we will be meeting with the Eastern School District-Eastern Health Liaison Committee to discuss some of the findings and talk about possible solutions.

Visiting Hillview

We had a wonderful focus group in Hillview this week with people from nearby communities attending.  Some of the discussion centred around the infrastructure of local communities.  For example, water quality issues were referenced and the impact that has on health.  They also spoke about the lack of sidewalks and the lack of street lights as stopping people from walking, particularly at night.  Associated with that is concern with cars speeding through communities.  Some of these same concerns have been voiced in other communities as well.

Heading Towards Recommendations

Focus groups over the past couple of days have occurred in Clarenville, Arnold's Cove, Musgravetown and Hillview.  AT the end of this week, the only focus groups remaining will be the ones with staff, family physicians and medical staff at the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital.

Once we have the themes fleshed out, it's time to start focusing on recommendations.  Throughout the process, we've been asking people for possible solutions so we have a starting point.

Focus Groups Continuing in Clarenville Area

Focus groups are continuing in the Clarenville area.  Some sessions have good turn outs and others have small turn outs but regardless of numbers, people definitely have things to say!  It's really nice to hear conversations flowing and people discussing things amongst themselves.  It makes for great listening!

World Elder Abuse Day

June 15 was World Elder Abuse Day in Canada.  The topic of elder abuse is one that has come more and more into peoples' awareness.  In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Seniors Resource Centre developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan to Address Elder Abuse in Newfoundland and Labrador.   The five-year period is from 2005-2010. 

During the needs assessment process, we have heard from people that it is a concern. People are concerned that it's happening and they are concerned that people don't know what to do about it or where to go for help.

Meeting with Health Care Providers

We had a great meeting with family practitioners and nurse practitioners in Bonavista last night.  Participants were very thoughtful in their comments.  They have a wealth of knowledge about their communities and some of the strengths and weaknesses in the communities. Bonavista area is fortunate to have dedicated health care providers!

Busy Week

This is a busy week for the needs assessment.  It started with a focus group last night and we will do another five over the next four days.  In addition to these focus groups, we will be meeting with our Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee.  We are getting close to collecting all of the information and then the hard part of putting it all together begins!

Focus Groups: A Rose by Another Name?

Sunday is the start of a number of focus group sessions that will occur over the next couple of weeks.  In addition to inviting representatives from community groups to participate, we are also having focus group sessions with family practitioners.  So what is a focus group?  Is the terminology a little intimidating?  Essentially, a focus group is a chat with a small group of people.  Most often it's with a group of 6-10 people.  The facilitator of the discussion has a number of questions and then listens as the people in attendance chat amongst themselves.   There are no right or wrong answers.  Generally, the purpose of a focus group is to get peoples' opinions.  So if you get an invite, come on along!  Or if you haven't received an invitation but would like to attend a focus group (and you are a resident of the Discovery Zone), e-mail needsassessment@easternhealth.ca.

Talking About the Weather

Our Spring has been a little lacking, hasn't it?  Lots of RDF (rain, drizzle and fog).  Does the weather impact your mood?  Many people say they feel much happier when the sun is shining. 

Weather can certainly impact our lives.  Today, for example, we have quite heavy rain and there are reports of a very bad accident on the Trans-Canada Highway.  Similiarly, snow has an impact and more and more people are aware of the dangers of the sun.  Weather is part of our environment that can have an impact on our health.

Celebrate Canadian Environment Week

Did you know this is Canadian Environment Week?  The environment around us certainly has an impact on our health and well-being. For example, during the needs assessment process, one of the concerns referenced in certain parts of the area is water quality.  Some communities have been on boil orders for years.  Yet that same water is used for brushing teeth, washing clothes and dishes and for cooking.  People are expressing concern about this.

Others have expressed concerns about industrial sites in the region and the health implications.

What role does the environment have in your life?  

Happy Seniors Month!

June is Seniors Month!  It's a time to recognize the contributions that seniors make to our society and to celebrate their achievements.

During the needs assessment research, we certainly hear a lot about seniors.  The topic is very broad and includes everything from expressing gratitude to the role that seniors play in their communities to concerns about elder abuse to people feeling the need to advocate for more services for seniors. 

Throughout the region, there are numerous seniors groups, such as 50+ clubs, who are making great contributions to their communities.  Let's all celebrate the role that seniors play in our area!