community health plan for 2016 through 2019 health plan for 2016 through 2019 community health...

Community Health Plan

for

2016 through 2019

Community Health Boards:

Pugwash and Area,

Springhill, Oxford, Amherst and Region (SOAR)

Southampton, Parrsboro, Advocate and Region (SPAR)

Cumberland County

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Submission Date November 2016

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Who are the Community Health Boards? ...................................................................................... 3

What do Community Health Boards Do? ....................................................................................... 4

Community Health Plan Development .............................................................................................. 4

Consideration of Population Health Lens ..................................................................................... 4

Consideration of Determinants of Health .................................................................................... 5

Analysis of Cumberland County Statistics ................................................................................... 6

Nova Scotia Statistics .......................................................................................................................... 6

Analysis of 2012- 2015 Community Health Plan ....................................................................... 7

Report Highlights................................................................................................................................. 7

Consideration of Cumberland Assets.......................................................................................... 10

Survey of Community Needs .......................................................................................................... 10

Focus Group Results ..................................................................................................................... 11

Survey Results ................................................................................................................................. 13

The Four Priorities for CHB 2016- 2019 ......................................................................................... 13

Increase Economic Well Being ........................................................................................................ 13

Recommendations:........................................................................................................................ 13

Evaluation: ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Increase Mental Wellness and Sense of Belonging .................................................................. 14


Evaluation: ....................................................................................................................................... 14

Increase Healthy Lifestyles and Supportive Environments ................................................... 14


Evaluation: ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Increase Community Engagement and Positive Relationships ............................................ 15


Evaluation: ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... 16

Contact Information .............................................................................................................................. 16

3

Introduction

The Cumberland Community Health Boards are

pleased to present their new Health Plan for 2016

to 2019. This plan offers highlights of our

accomplishments from the previous plan and our

priorities for the next three years. The plan

identifies the activities of the CHBs and helps

advise Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Who are the Community Health Boards?

Pugwash and Area –

Community Health Board

Population: 4,989

(2011 census)

Includes all areas in and

around the communities

of Malagash, Northport,

Pugwash, Wallace,

Wentworth and

Westchester.

Pugwash & Area Members:

Peter Lewis, Chair

David Alderman, Vice Chair

Joyce Gray, Secretary

Isabelle Mullaley

Wendy Angus

Pat Briggins

Maureen Leahey

Marilyn Horton

Holly Rafuse

Betty Hodgson

Chris Henneberry

Dorothy Pal

Miriam MacEwan

(Student)

Kianna Bascug (Student)

SOAR – Springhill,

Oxford, Amherst and

Region Community

Health Board

Population: 23,349

(2011 census)

Includes all areas in

and around the

communities of

Springhill, Amherst,

Oxford, River Hebert,

Joggins, Tidnish, and

Collingwood.

SOAR Members:

Linda Cloney, Co-Chair

Bill Schurman, Co-Chair

Dayle Wilson

Cecilia Waalderbos

Theresa Halfkenny

Connie Fisher

Millie MacLeod

Heather Gallant

Christina Cameron

SPAR – Southampton,

Parrsboro, Advocate and

Region Community Health

Board

Population: 3,015

(2011 census)

Includes all areas in and

around the communities

of Southampton, Five

Islands, Parrsboro,

Advocate and Apple River.

SPAR Members:

Frank Hartman, Chair

Barb Aris

Terri Ashley

Delphine Davies

Trudy Weir

Elva Forbes

Lisa West

Megan Atkinson(Student)

Katie Fife (Student)

4

What do Community Health Boards Do?

Community Health Boards (CHBs) are mandated by the Health Authorities Act and

supported by Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). They are made up of everyday

citizens of all ages and walks of life who volunteer to serve as the eyes, ears, and voice

of our communities. They are committed to providing opportunities for community

education, development and education about our health care programs and services.

CHBs identify factors that influence health, find ways to make communities healthier,

and participate in the allocation of grants to promote better health.

NSHA Vision: Healthy people, healthy communities—for generations.

Community Health Plan Development

The purpose of our Community Health Plan (CHP) is to identify local health needs and

provide recommendations and strategies to improve the health of our communities.

To develop our new CHP, several approaches were used including consideration of a

population health lens and the determinants of health. An analysis of Cumberland

County statistics, the 2012-2015 Community Health Plan report, and Cumberland

assets was undertaken. The CHBs conducted several focus groups and surveyed

Cumberland residents to gather their views on health. Each of these areas will be

discussed separately.

Consideration of Population Health Lens

The population health approach aims to improve the health of the entire population

and reduce inequities. It defines health as a resource that can be achieved through

such things as goal setting, skills and education. Population health also recognizes

how social, economic and physical environments contribute to health.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/approach-approche/index-eng.php#What

(taken from Public Health Agency of Canada)

“Poverty, left untreated ruins health and costs millions of dollars”

..Dr. Ryan Sommers, Medical Officer of Health NSHA , Northern Zone

“Improved economy = improved health. We need to create wealth.” ..Talk about health, Cumberland County, December 2015

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/approach-approche/index-eng.php#What

5

Consideration of Determinants of Health

The determinants of health are factors that affect the health of individuals and

communities. Health equity happens when we distribute resources based on people‟s

needs.

The Determinants of Health include:

Income and social status

Social support networks

Education

Employment and working conditions

Social environments

Geography

Physical environments

Healthy child development

Gender

Culture

Personal health practices

Biological endowment

6

Analysis of Cumberland County Statistics vs

Nova Scotia Statistics

Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Portfolio Cumberland County

January 2016

Population Health Profile 2015

http://novascotia.ca/dhw/publichealth/documents/Population-Health-Profile-Nova-Scotia.pdf

From the NSHA Health

Profile 2015

63% report their mental health

status as excellent or very

good compared to 72%

provincially

44% of population report their

health a very good or excellent

lowest in the province

provincial average 58%

25% report eating 5 or more

vegetables or fruits in a day

provincial average 34%

34% report heavy drinking (5

or more drinks on at least one

occasion per month in the last

year) provincial average 28%

- National average 24%

From Primary Health

Care Statistics 2015

Unemployment rate 7.2%

/province 5.4%

BMI % verweight or obese

67.5%/ province 62.3

High blood pressure 29%/

province 20.5

Low income 12.4%/ province

7%

Exposure to 2nd

hand smoke

19%/ province 11.8 %

21.7% of the population 65 or

over / province 18.8%

7

Analysis of 2012- 2015 Community Health Plan

Report Highlights

Our previous Community Health Plan included six priorities: chronic disease

prevention, healthy eating and physical activity, injury prevention, mental wellness and

addictions, oral health and sexual health. In order to achieve our goals the CHBs

allocated Wellness Funds that supported our priorities, advocated for healthy policy,

and took on some projects. Here are some highlights from our work over the past

three years.

Numbers 2 Know

Numbers 2 Know was initiated in 2012 by the Community Health Boards in partnership

with Primary Health Care, Public Health, Mental Health & Addictions, Your Way to

Wellness, and Continuing Care/Senior‟s Health. Since its inception we have had over

900 participants. The program was designed to promote health and wellness, chronic

disease prevention and management.

Through evaluation questionnaires we learned:

Over 50% of participants indicated they would make healthy lifestyle changes based on

what they learned at the clinic or they agreed to contact one or more referral services

recommended. 50% reported before this clinic they did not know what their numbers

meant.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

The Cumberland County Community Health Boards partnered with the NSCC Early

Childhood Education Resource Centre, The Municipality of the County of Cumberland,

Town of Amherst and Department of Health and Wellness Active Living Branch to offer

a one day Outdoor Play Workshop for Early Childhood Educators. Over 50 educators

attended the training which encouraged imaginative outdoor play opportunities with

some risk taking.

A leader training program, Goodness in Many Ways, was offered throughout the county

in partnership with Maggie‟s Place and Public Health through a 2014 Wellness Grant.

Volunteer leaders continue to offer programs.

All programs supported by CHBs must commit to offering healthy food.

Photo courtesy

Megan Cormier

Spring Street

Academy

Students

8

Mental Health

Since May 2014 the Cumberland Community Health Boards have been partnering with

Mental Health and Addictions, YMCA of Cumberland County, the Adult Bridge

Workshop, and the Town of Amherst to coordinate the Minds in Motion Walk for Mental

Health Awareness. Last year there were over 200 participants.

In Parrsboro we hosted an evening of Music, Art and Friendship. The event was open

to everyone and offered an opportunity for those present to reflect on wellness and a

different perspective on health. The music and doodle art offered coping techniques

that could be easily duplicated.

The boards partnered with the Town of Amherst to offer Mental Health 101 free of

charge and 25 participants from several partnering agencies including CCRSB &

Addiction Services attended.

We hosted SafeTALK in 2012 for over 30 participants and partnered with the

Cumberland CAST Coalition in 2014 to offer SafeTALK for over 20 community

members.

CHBs supported a Youth Mental Health Expo developed by the NSCC Business

Administration and Office Administration Programs. The Expo was accompanied by a

#Don‟t Judge Me social media campaign and lots of media coverage.

Alcohol Abuse

The boards have supported the Municipal Alcohol Project in our county and have

advocated for healthy alcohol policy, particularly at events and recreation settings.

The boards continue to support Family First, alcohol and tobacco free events.

Problem Gambling

Cumberland joined forces with Colchester and East Hants Community Health Boards to

support a social marketing campaign developed by Addiction Services. Through the

Betting on Health campaign hundreds of posters were distributed all over the counties,

as well as ads in local papers and a social media campaign on Facebook.

Tobacco use

The three CHBs asked all elementary schools in the county if they would develop

posters telling people “Why they shouldn‟t smoke”. The response was incredible and

the results spectacular. The smoke free spaces signs with our children‟s‟ messages

have been produced are on display in local parks.

Sexual Health

Community Health Board members

came up with a concept for

education on “Internet Sex and

Safety: What You Need to Know”.

An educational event was

developed and presented in

partnership with local high

9

schools, Youth Health Centres and NSCC Cumberland Campus. A broad range of

information was shared with students, community members, parents and caregivers in

interactive sessions.

Oral Health

In partnership with Public Health and CCRSB, over 2800 oral health kits have been

delivered to students throughout Cumberland County since November 2012. In 2012

all grades one, two, and three students received the information and in 2013 all grade

three students. Since the spring of 2014 packages were given to grade seven students

to coincide with the expanded coverage to age 14. A Public Health Hygienist offered an

educational presentation and demonstration to all students involved in the program.

Packages include a tooth brush, tooth paste, floss picks, contact information for all

dental offices in the county, as well as information on MSI coverage and proper oral

health practices.

In 2015 we produced Rethink Your Drink posters in partnership with Public Health.

Posters have been widely shared throughout the community including all dental offices

in the county. Presentations were made at police days, race against drugs, and they

have been distributed in the oral health packages.

10

Consideration of Cumberland Assets

Cumberland County is rich in history, infrastructure and natural assets.

For the outdoor enthusiast we have four golf courses, downhill and cross country

skiing, beaches, and trails. We are home to Cape Chignecto, the Northumberland

Strait, and the Bay of Fundy.

Some of our many attractions include Thinkers Lodge in Pugwash, Ottawa House in

Parrsboro, the Anne Murray Centre in Springhill, the Fundy Geological Museum and the

Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site. For indoor recreation, Cumberland

Public Libraries have seven locations throughout the county. There are four rinks, two

indoor walking tracks, and three curling clubs.

We are fortunate to have several newly constructed public schools, two sites of the

Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland Campus, and a new regional hospital.

Along with a manufacturing sector, Cumberland County has a strong fishing and

agricultural industry including blueberries, maple and honey. We have a vibrant,

creative community with several theatre and music groups, and art galleries.

Side by Each Farm Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio

NSCC Cumberland Campus Joggins Fossil Cliffs

11

Survey of Community Needs

Having reviewed information from several sources including NSHA Health Profile,

Cumberland County Health Status Profile, Talk about health and Primary Health Care

Statistics, the CHBs wanted to hear county citizens‟ thoughts concerning health. In

spring 2015 the Cumberland CHBs established a Community Health Planning

Committee and joined with Colchester East Hants CHBs to develop a planning process.

The CHBs designed focus group questions and an online and paper survey

questionnaire.

Each CHB hosted several focus groups in their own communities to gather citizens‟

ideas and input. What we heard from surveys and focus groups matched what we

learned from data collected from provincial and local statistics. After compiling and

summarizing all the data, Cumberland and Colchester East Hants CHBs worked

independently of each other to outline priorities, recommendations, and action plans

based on local community needs. They developed an evaluation process for each

priority in the Community Health Plan. The Community Health Planning Committee

continues to meet to discuss the plan and share information on progress.

Focus Group Results

We hosted 12 focus groups with over 190 participants throughout Cumberland County

and asked 3 questions:

What does your community need to promote health for people of all income

levels?

What supports do you need to live a healthier lifestyle?

What would make it easier for you to access health services and health

promotion information?

We were surprised at the overlap in the answers to the questions. We heard people

wanted healthy food, opportunities to be physically active, a living wage, and a greater

sense of belonging in their communities. Of the barriers listed to health, financial

concerns were by far the most common with people asking for free or affordable

options with no stigma. Shop local initiatives were listed at every focus group.

12

Sample focus group comments included:

PROSPERITY / ECONOMIC WELL BEING

Promote the nutritional and economic benefit of buying local food.

Pugwash Senior Men’s Coffee group

Programs don‟t have to be free but it would be nice if you could pay what you

could afford.

Parrsboro Music and Art Event

HEALTHY LIVING AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Unlock the schools and get rid of red tape. Use the infrastructure we have.

Oxford councillors and town employees

We need a better way to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and products like fresh

meat and fish.

Wentworth Pioneers

We need a free activity centre that includes physical activity options like fitness

classes and walking clubs but also includes art options like pottery and

painting.

Parrsboro Music and Art

MENTAL WELLNESS AND A SENSE OF BELONGING

We need more places to meet like Maggie‟s Place but where older children can

be included too.

Maggie’s Place

We need more activities for parents and children with flexible times.

Pregnancy and Beyond Pugwash

We need to help people feel like they belong; be a more welcoming community.

Many feel „this is not for me‟.

Maggie’s place

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The people we are trying to reach don‟t go to programs. How do we connect

with the people that don‟t participate?

Pugwash Knitters

To read more details of what you told us in the Community Health Survey and Community

Conversations, please go to the link below.

http://www.cha.nshealth.ca/pdf_files/2016/chb_community_survey_report.pdf

13

Survey Results

There were 422 surveys completed in Cumberland County and three major priorities

emerged:

Increase Economic Well Being

43% of survey respondents said employment increased their sense of belonging

70% felt affordable healthy food would improve the health of our community

Increase a sense of belonging and wellbeing through these activities:

Community events 75%

Volunteering 56%

Trails for walking and biking 47%

Employment 43%

Green spaces 41%

Increase Healthy Lifestyles and Supportive Environments

85% supported healthy food in public spaces such as recreation, schools and

hospitals

86% said yes to more breast feeding friendly spaces

68% felt natural outdoor play opportunities would increase physical activity

50% felt community had a problem with alcohol, drugs and smoking

The Four Priorities for CHB 2016- 2019

Using the information from the focus groups and the survey results, the CHBs

developed four priorities:


Increase Mental Wellness and Sense of Belonging


Increase Community Engagement and Positive Relationships

The following sections outline each of the four Priorities, our Recommendations, and

Evaluation Plan.


Recommendations:

The CHBs will advocate for healthy policies that support prosperity across our

communities with an emphasis on our vulnerable populations.

Evaluation:

Various methods of evaluation will be used including collecting data from relevant age

and demographic groups through electronic, paper and pencil, and face to face means

as well as document review.

14

Examples of evaluation for these recommendations include: Track numbers of advocacy efforts and number of government departments and

business organizations. What was the government and business response? Did

they do anything different?

Survey local businesses gauging advocacy re participant involvement in buying

local; did sales increase or decrease.

Track Wellness Fund Initiatives aimed at these recommendations.

Track county employment level.

Survey citizens‟ awareness of CHB promotional activities.

Consult with community again to assess their impressions of the

outcomes of priority areas and recommendations.

Increase Mental Wellness and Sense of Belonging

Recommendations:

The CHBs will advocate a sense of belonging through encouraging volunteerism and

engagement in local communities.

The CHBs will work with NSHA Mental Health and Addiction to increase awareness of

mental health support services.

Evaluation:




Examples of evaluation for these recommendations include:

Survey volunteer organizations regarding number of volunteers.

Survey citizens‟ degree of engagement in volunteer organizations and local

communities.

Survey citizens‟ awareness of Mental Health and Addiction services.

Track number of pamphlets, websites, communications, educational offerings,

etc. promoting community events. Include diversity of places, ages, ethnicity,

etc.

Track 211 and 811 contacts from Cumberland County.

Consult with community again to assess their impressions of the

outcomes of priority areas and recommendations.


Recommendations:

The CHBs will partner with multiple sectors including recreation, tourism, culture,

environment, and work places to encourage the provision of local physical activities

and health opportunities.

The CHBs will promote and host educational opportunities for all ages to nurture

healthy communities and individual lifestyles.

The CHBs will advocate NSHA to increase strategies for access to health services like

outreach and mobile/ electronic health promotion services.

15

Evaluation:




Examples of evaluation for these recommendations include:

Track affordable exercise options in local community including summer/winter

activities, timing and location of options, equipment lending programs, etc.

Track number of educational programs offered by CHBs.

Track CHBs contact with number and diversity of partners, what activities and

health opportunities were offered as well as number and ages of participants.

Track number of advocacy efforts with NSHA.

Track the change in number of outreach and electronic services offered by such

health providers as: pharmacists, dentists, nurse practitioners etc.

Survey satisfaction, degree of helpfulness and effectiveness of activities.

Measure change in awareness of opportunities.

Survey citizens‟ awareness of available trails, green spaces, services for those

incapacitated, etc.

Consult with community again to assess their impressions of the outcomes of

priority areas and recommendations.

Increase Community Engagement and Positive Relationships

Recommendations:

The CHBs will convene diverse community groups to build, develop, nurture, and

maintain partnerships to identify common interests, and collaborate in goal

achievement of the first three priorities.

Evaluation:




Examples of evaluation for this recommendation include:

Track number and diversity of community groups convened, partnerships

developed, joint projects sponsored, and efficacy of projects.

Measure percentage of positive response on NSHA Public and Patient.

Engagement Evaluation Tools related to “collaboration and common purpose”,

“being heard”, and “being better informed”.

Consult with community again to assess their impressions of the outcomes of

priority areas and recommendations.

WHERE TO FROM HERE

The three Cumberland County CHBs will implement the plan priorities by developing

activities, projects, initiatives and programs specific to their local area.

Representatives will then meet to share information on progress and evaluation

results.

16

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our Community Health Planning Committee for all their effort

and dedication to the creation of this plan.

The committee members have been: David Alderman, Wendy Angus, Linda Cloney,

Frank Hartman, Maureen Leahey, Peter Lewis and Bill Schurman.

Contact Information

Colleen Dowe, Community Health Board Coordinator

18 South Albion St.

Amherst NS, B4H 2W3

902-667-3310

[email protected]

Cumberland County Community Health Boards

@CumberlandCHB

“There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who

will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are torn apart and

will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off

into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water. And I say,

see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing

personally, Least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and

journey comes to a halt.

The time for the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from

you attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner

and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for."

-- attributed to an unnamed Hopi elder

Hopi Nation

Oraibi, Arizona

mailto:[email protected]

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