Website to help raise profile of volunteer community health boards

A new website designed to help share information about and between the

37 volunteer community health boards (CHBs) across the province is now

live.

Community health boards are a network of around 400

volunteers who work in partnership with district health authorities and

other organizations to support community-based projects and partnerships

and help promote healthy living.

CHB members hope that the new website will give people direct access to

general information and help to raise awareness, support and encourage

others to help make a difference by getting involved with their local

boards.

"This is a useful communication tool for both CHB members, staff working

to support these volunteers and the public," says Tanya Nixon, VP of

community health for South West Health. "It is a one stop, central

location for CHB information. The website is comprehensive and gives

people a look at the overall roles and goals of CHBs. It also has links

to specific sites and information about the CHBs in all of the

Districts. This is a chance to show people across Nova Scotia and beyond

the many great things that CHBs and their communities are doing. I

encourage you to take a look."

The website project was developed with support from the Nova

Scotia Association of Health Organizations (NSAHO), District CHB

coordinators and public relations staff from districts across the

province based on feedback from community health boards.

The volunteer community health boards are recognized under the Health

Authorities Act. In South West Health there are four CHBs: the

Yarmouth County Community Health Board the Digby and

Area Community Health Board, the Clare Community Health Board, and the Shelburne and Area

Community Health Board.

While districts work to promote and educate

people about healthier choices through a population health model, the

CHBs enhance that commitment by sponsoring and supporting various

community based initiatives.

One way this is done is through the development of a CHB community

health plan. This plan helps the district to better understand the

health needs and challenges in a community. The plans also support the

district's overall business planning, program planning and strategic

directions.

To visit the website go to www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca to

learn more about community health boards