Talking with Janet

To oversee the needs assessment, we have established a Steering Committee made up of Eastern Health employees.  One of the people who sits on the committee is Janet Fisher who work in Primary Health Care in Bonavista.  Janet is also a member of the Advisory Committee, made up of community residents.  We recently asked her thoughts on being a part of the Advisory Committee.

As a member of the Steering Committee, I volunteered to be part of the Advisory Committee because I work closely with community groups in my area.  I'm looking forward to learning more about the process and meeting people in the region who I may work with in the future.  I believe in community development and community capacity building and I hope that once a final report is written we can work together with community partners to enhance health and wellness in our communities.  So far I'm enjoying my experience as a member of the Advisory Committee especially hearing people's stories.  Our discussions thus far certainly highlight the diversity within our region.

Reviewing Advisory Committee Applications

The Steering Committee, made up of Eastern Health staff and managers, has reviewed the applications that have come in from people wanting to sit on the Advisory Committee for the needs assessment.  It was a very difficult job, reviewing the applications and putting together a committee that offers lots of different perspectives based on the determinants of health.  We have identified eight people who will be invited to sit on the committee.  Advisory Committee members will be joined by Eastern Health employees Lisa Browne, Planning Specialist, and Janet Fisher, Primary Health Care Co-ordinator.  All those who applied will be contacted within the next few days.  Judging from the applications, there are lots of talented people in our region!  Many thanks to all who applied!

Advisory Committee Deadline Passed

Thanks to the people who applied to sit on the Advisory Committee for the Discovery Zone Needs Assessment.  The deadline for applying was on Friday, February 5.  The next step is for the Steering Committee (made up of Eastern Health staff and managers) to review the applications in order to create a committee that represents the various determinants of health.  Thanks very much to all those who applied!

First Meeting of Steering Committee Takes Place

This afternoon, we had our first meeting of the needs assessment Steering Committee (some members pictured at right).  This committee (not to be confused with the Advisory Committee!) is made up of Eastern Health staff.  Their job is to oversee the needs assessment. 

Today, we talked mostly about getting the groundwork in place:  the terms of reference for the Steering Committee and the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee.  We also reviewed a draft critical path and discussed how we will get people's input (focus groups, interviews, telephone survey).

One of the first tasks of the Steering Committee is to decide who will sit on the Advisory Committee.  Members of the Steering Committee will review the applications and invite people to participate based on the determinants of health and having as diverse a committee as possible.  The review of the applications will take place as soon as possible after the application deadline of Feb. 5.