Visiting Community Youth Network - Bonavista

In an earlier post, we referenced the Community Youth Network - Clarenville as being newly established.  One Community Youth Network in this region that has been operating for a while is the one in Bonavista.  This intiative was introduced in August 2007.

The space itself is very large with a number of different areas, including an area for playing instruments and one for playing pool.  There is also a seating area and a computer area.

Art plays a big role at the centre with a number of floor mats painted onto the floor.  There's also a large pot of aluminum cans cut as flowers (pictured above)!

Referred to as BAYNet (Bonavista Area Youth Network), this organization covers the geographic area from Bonavista to Charleston, 37 communities in total.  They offer a variety of programs and activities, from a tutoring program to Battle of the Bands!

Visiting the Community Youth Network - Clarenville

We have identified a number of people considered "key informants".  These are people who have a broad, regional perspective on health and community services in the region. 

For example, the Staff Sgt of the RCMP would be considered a key informant.  Interviews are now taking place with key informants.  One of these interviews took place with the Community Youth Network - Clarenville.  This is a group that is in the beginning stages and will be opening their facility in the next several weeks.  Here's a sneak peak at their new facility. 

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!

Still in Planning Mode

Most work related to the needs assessment has to do with laying the groundwork to proceed.  We are gathering information about various groups in the region who may be good representatives for focus groups or key informants.  Next week, we will be reviewing the applications for the Advisory Committee. 

Of course, the Discovery Zone needs assessment isn't the only needs assessment currently ongoing.  The Northeast Avalon needs assessment is being drafted and it will be interesting to see the findings from that report.

Community Spotlight: Port Blandford

Port Blandford is a beautiful little community next to Terra Nova National Park.   It has its history in the railway.  The town has a population of 535 (2006 Census) down from 580 (a decline of 7.8%).  The 2006 income for every man, woman, and child (personal income per capita) in Port Blandford was $22,000. For the province, personal income per capita was $22,900. After tax personal income per capita, adjusted for inflation, was $14,700 for Port Blandford in 2006. For the province it was $14,900 (Statistical information taken from Community Accounts).

Census 2006 reported 44.4% of people 18 to 64 years of age in Port Blandford do not have a high school diploma compared to 25.1% of people in the entire province.



Many people in the province are familiar with the Town of Port Blandford thanks to the Twin Rivers Golf Course and its proximity to the National Park. 

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!

Determinants of Health Close to Home

In the past few weeks, lunch hour at at least one Eastern Health office in Clarenville sees a number of employees grab their sneakers and head to the Events Centre for a few laps around the track. 

Not only is this great exercise, it also fosters social supports (they have great chats as they go around) and excerise is a great personal health practice as a way of coping with stress.