During one focus group recently, there was a discussion about the positive things that are happening in our communities.  During that conversation, one person remarked that it's impressive how many positive things are going on but we don't often stop to think of them.  This is so true.  It's important to stop and think about the good things in your life.  It helps to promote a positive attitude and good mental health.  What's going right in your community?

A Visit to Norman's Cove-Long Cove

At a focus group at Norman's Cove-Long Cove last night, community members talked about aging communities and the impact that it has on people and a community as a whole.  They also spoke about a vibrant voluntary sector and the importance that volunteers bring to a community.  People are proud of the services they have available in their town:  from Moving 4 Health to square dancing to cadets to walking trails. We had a good discussion about health concerns in the area.  Last night was a beautiful evening and it was wonderful for these people to come out to talk about the health of their community.

Talking with Municipal Leaders in the Isthmus Area

Last night's discussion with municipal leaders in the Isthmus area went very well.  Much of the discussion was focused on family doctors.  Currently, the Isthmus area has two family doctors and communities are concerned with recruitment of new physicians when and if the two current physicians retire.  The municipal leaders in the room felt that this will have a major impact on their communities and the quality of life available to citizens.

Headed to the Isthmus

More focus groups today and then again on Thursday evening.  We are now focused on the Isthmus area of the Discovery Zone.  Today, we are having sessions with community partners and tonight with municipal leaders.  On Thursday, it's another session with community partners.   We try to provide different times, locations and dates to get as many people as possible.  The most we've had in a focus group was 16 and the smallest was 1 so there is quite a range!  We'll see what today brings!

A Great Afternoon with the Women's Institute

Over the weekend, we were invited to attend a Women's Institute meeting consisting of clubs on the Bonavista Peninsula to Harcourt to speak about the needs assessment process.  It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the Women's Institute and to enjoy an outstanding potluck lunch!

The aim of the Women's Institute, as noted on their website, is: 

The present day Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institutes is an informal, educational organization for women to work together to expand their skills, broaden their interests, plan meetings, workshops and conferences, and strengthen the quality of life for themselves, their families and their communities.

The meeting certainly seemed to reflect this aim.  Participants brought along many of the crafts that they had been working on and seemed to thoroughly enjoy each other's friendship.  For Eastern Health, it was an opportunity to let people know how to participate in the needs assessment process.

Municipal Leaders Focus Group in Musgravetown

Only the Deputy Mayor of Musgravetown came out to the Municipal Leaders Focus Group held last night in Musgravetown.  We had a good chat about the positives in the community as well as the challenges. 

The positives in the area are pretty easy to see.  Driving through Bloomfield and Musgravetown you can certainly see lots of sign of activity.  Last night was a beautiful evening and lots of people were out walking.  There are several new houses that have just recently been built or are still in process.  Holloway's Grocery Store was busy. 

One of the challenges referenced by the Deputy Mayor is the fact that the community no longer has a physician who practices in the community.  In particular, he indicated this had been a hardship on seniors in the area.

We had a good chat about other challenges.  It's always great to speak with someone passionate about his community.

A Visit to King's Cove

The beautiful community of King's Cove was the site of a great focus group this afternoon.  Fifteen people gathered at the Knights of Columbus hall for discussion about the strengths and challenges in their community and positives and concerns about the health and community services system.

People at the session had lots to say and we were very happy to listen.  Many of the same themes that we heard at focus group sessions were referenced. 

The group wanted to know what would happen with the report once it was completed.  This is a very important question.  In the past, the Board of Trustees has asked for progress reports on the status of the recommendations every 6 months and committed to coming back to the community two years after the release of the report to provide an update on the recommendations.  This built in accountability is very important.