Report Released

Determining the Big Picture:  The Results of the Discovery Zone Needs Assessment is available here.  Thanks to all who participated in this needs assessment.

Report Release

The community health needs assessment, Determining the Big Picture:  The Results of the Discovery Zone Community Health Needs Assessment, will be released on April 5 in Bonavista and April 6 in Clarenville and Come-By-Chance.  The report will be available on Eastern Health's website at http://www.easternhealth.ca/ and at public librairies.  For more information, contact Lisa Browne at lisa.browne@easternhealth.ca

Report Release

Our needs assessment report will be unveiled in April 2011.  More information will be posted once the date and locations of the release are confirmed.

Cancer Control Strategy Unveiled

One of the things that we heard during the needs assessment was peoples' concern about chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.  People want to know that Eastern Health and the province are actively working to address high rates of chronic disease in this area.  Yesterday, the provincial government unveiled a provincial cancer control strategy entitled Gaining Ground: A Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador.  The goal of the strategy is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer and to improve the quality of life of those living with cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador.  You can read all about the strategy here.

November - A Look at Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  And November 14 is World Diabetes Day.

Did you know that our province of Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of diabetes in Canada? 

According to the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, 8.1% of the population over the age of 12 reported being diagnosed by a health professional as having diabetes.  Within our province, that figure is 8.8% while nationally, 5.9% of respondents reported receiving that diagnosis.

During the needs assessment process, many people expressed concern about chronic diseases, particularly diabetes.  They worry about the high rates and indicated a desire to ensure education sessions are available to people in their communities around topics like healthy eating.

Eastern Health Releases Annual Performance Report

Eastern Health recently released its Annual Performance Report. Read all about the things that are happening in our organization.  Needs assessments are just one component!

Impact of Hurricane Igor

Little did we realize that Hurricane Igor would have effected us so severely.  It had a major impact on the communities within the Discovery Zone, the area covered by our needs assessment.  While it is likely that the ramifications of Hurricane Igor will be felt for a long time, it is impossible to speculate on what that impact will be.  All primary research and findings related to this needs assessment were completed prior to Hurricane Igor.  As always, the people of this area, responded to Hurricane Igor with resilience and grace!