October 2017 | Issue 3

Community Health Needs Assessments in Action COMMUNITY

NEGUAC

MIRAMICHI

About Miramichi Area About Neguac Area 6 The Miramichi area covers a large 14 The Neguac area covers a small geographic area in the northern half of geographic area in the north east and represents a culturally part of New Brunswick. diverse community. Photo: City of Miramichi Photo: Horizon Health Network is CEO Message driven by its mission

Shining a spotlight on the exceptional programs and services that New Brunswick communities Helping People are creating is a rewarding experience. In the Be Healthy pages that follow, you will learn about how two of our province’s communities are contributing Good health lies at the heart of to improving the overall health and wellness of our daily quality of life. It is what their populations. all New Brunswickers want for themselves and those they love. As your new CEO, it’s been my priority to Helping New Brunswickers be personally visit all of the vibrant communities as healthy as they can be is the where Horizon operates throughout this beautiful province and learn shared purpose that motivates about each community’s unique advantages and challenges. What I’ve seen all those who work at Horizon on and heard so far has been both educational and encouraging. The passion a daily basis. To achieve the best and commitment exhibited by New Brunswick’s community leaders and results, Horizon puts patients residents in helping people be healthy has played a pivotal role in the and clients at the centre of the development of programs to support both individual and community health. health delivery system. These visits have allowed me to see how our Horizon family is working collaboratively with communities to provide the best health outcomes for Each New Brunswick community everyone. served by Horizon is unique. In this third issue of In Your Community, we’re highlighting the growth Working with key community stemming from the completion of the Community Health Needs partners, clinicians, and other Assessments (CHNAs) in the areas of Miramichi and Neguac. CHNAs help stakeholders, progress has been identify the unique strengths and needs within communities and provide made to identify and address recommendations to improve the health and wellness of their residents. their specific needs. This is an www.HorizonNB.ca intentional effort initiated by The stories you are about to read will undoubtedly inspire you as they have Horizon to significantly improve inspired me. Community strength is at the heart of each and every success community-based primary care, profiled here and will continue to serve as motivation for future health care and support expensive tertiary improvements. services required by Karen McGrath, President and CEO an aging population. Horizon Health Network 2 Helping Children Table of 8 Be Healthy Raising healthy children through education and Contents community engagement Photo: Sheena Dougan Photo: 10 Fresh for Less Serving up healthy food options to families in the Northumberland area Photo: City of Miramichi Photo: City of Miramichi Photo:

October 2017 | Issue 3 Community Connections for 12 Seniors

Community Health Needs Assessments in Action COMMUNITY Facilitating access to community programs Contributors: Creative lead: • Kristen Crowell • Sheena Dougan and services for seniors • Christy English Cover credits: • Tracey Shipley • Photos submitted by: Sheena Dougan, Resources: City of Miramichi • Jean Daigle • Ginette Pellerin Printing: • Annie Roussel • Taylor Printing • Gabrielle Levesque Group Inc. • Janet Hogan The following documents were used 16 as resources for this publication: • Miramichi Area Community Health Planting the Seeds Needs Assessment of Community! • Neguac Area Community Health Needs Assessment Neguac’s Community Garden provides fresh produce and a sense of belonging to families

www.HorizonNB.ca 18 2017 Community Health Recognition Award Winners Recognizing individuals and groups that are making a difference in their community 3 Health care today A well-designed health system With our province’s aging unique needs of the people in each should feature both strong centres of population, southern migration, community. hospital-based care and appropriate and shift from rural to urban The good news is that work is community-based care “close to living, health care as we know it is underway. Horizon Health Network home” for New Brunswick residents. changing. Government and non- (Horizon) is working in partnership It’s a system that would ensure every government organizations and with communities to provide better New Brunswicker has access to the communities alike are looking for preventive, primary, and long-term services they need to be as healthy as ways to deliver care in a way that care to community members, as close they can be. does a better job of meeting the to home as possible. Community Health Needs Assessments Since 2012, Horizon has been address the other 90%. The CHNA Table 1: Determinants of Health working with communities to gain a process provides an opportunity as categorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada better understanding of their health to get everyone around the table care needs using Community Health to look at all areas that are known Needs Assessments (CHNAs). A to impact our health – health 1 Income and Social Status CHNA is a dynamic and ongoing determinants (Table 1). 2 Social Support Networks process that identifies the unique CHNAs help identify priority 3 Education and Literacy strengths and needs of a community. areas in the community that This information provides both need attention and support the Employment and 4 Horizon and the communities with development of action plans to Working Conditions a roadmap to achieving a common address them. This work influences 5 Social Environment goal: to improve the overall health of programming that better serves New Brunswick communities. the population and often supports 6 Physical Environment Have you ever considered how the efforts of primary health care Personal Health Practices 7 housing or access to transportation providers like family physicians, and Coping Skills might affect the health of an nurse practitioners, and pharmacists. Healthy Child individual? You may not know it, 8 Nobody knows a community better Development but measuring community health than the people who live there. This Biology and Genetic goes far beyond studying rates of 9 work to address priority areas is Endowment disease and the availability of health being driven by a local committee care services. Health services account that is passionate about the well- 10 Health Services for only 10% of what influences our being of the community. With 11 Gender health (see pie chart), which is why support from Horizon and other Horizon is working with individuals stakeholders, they are advocating for 12 Culture and agencies at a community level to your health.

What influences our health? 40% Health What is primary Behaviours health care? 40% Social & Economic Factors Primary health care refers to an approach to health and a spectrum of services beyond the traditional health care 10% Physical system. It includes all services that play a part in health, Environment such as income, housing, education, and environment. Primary care refers to health promotion, illness and 10% Health injury prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of 4 Services illness and injury. (Health Canada) 17 Community Common Themes Emerging Health Needs REGIONAL PRIORITY Assessments Awareness of completed to date Food Insecurity Services & System Navigation

Social Supports to Transportation Help Individuals Move Out of Poverty Mental Resiliency and Coping Skills Housing Among Children & Youth Collaboration Addictions & with First Nations Mental Health Services Supporting the Alcohol and New Family Reality The province is divided into Drug Use/Abuse 33 unique communities to ensure a better Expansion of Senior Isolation and perspective of regional Sexual Health Lack of Community/ and local differences. Services & Sexual Social Supports for Abuse Treatment/ Seniors Community Health Needs Prevention Assessments have been Senior Home Care completed in 17 of them. Access to Primary and Outreach • and Area Health Care Services Services

• and Surrounding A Shift to More Area Comprehensive, Recreation • St. Stephen, St. Andrews and Team-Based Primary Surrounding Area Health Care • Petitcodiac, Salisbury and Enhanced Surrounding Area More Focus on Collaboration, Chronic Disease Communication & • Saint John Prevention Connectedness • and Surrounding Area Continual • Grand Lake Area Healthy Eating Community & Physical Activity • Neguac Area Engagement • Miramichi Area • Tantramar Area • Central New Brunswick In your community • Albert County Area Knowing what is happening in your community is important. In the previous • Carleton County Area two issues of In Your Community, Horizon worked with four areas that had completed CHNA’s: the Fredericton and Oromocto Areas and the Saint • Tobique and Perth-Andover Area John and Grand Lake Area. This third issue will profile what is happening • Eastern Charlotte County Area in the Miramichi and Neguac communities. In the pages that follow you will • Nackawic, Harvey, McAdam, get a better understanding of what these areas are doing to build healthier Canterbury Area communities and will showcase specific priorities, challenges, and successes. • Sussex and Surrounding Area Watch for our next issue, which will feature news from other Horizon communities. 5 About

Miramichi Area City of Miramichi Photo:

The Miramichi area covers a large Members of both communities Key Stakeholders geographic area in the northern formed the Northumberland Area (Advisory Committee) half of New Brunswick and Community Advisory Committee represents a culturally diverse (CAC) and have been committed • Horizon Health Network community. Although the City of to improving the overall health • Public Health Miramichi is considered mainly of their respective residents. • Miramichi Regional Hospital • Miramichi Family Health Team Anglophone, there are a number of Following the completion of • Miramichi Outpatient Clinics/ smaller communities surrounding the CHNA, the CAC formed Ambulatory Care the city that are primarily small working groups to begin • Anglophone North School District Francophone. The Miramichi area improvement projects. • Metepenagiag First Nation Health is also home to two First Nation Centre communities – Metepenagiag What was learned • Eel Ground First Nation Health Centre First Nation and Eel Ground First through the • City of Miramichi Recreation Nation. • Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home Community Health • Department of Healthy & Inclusive In the early stages of the Needs Assessment? Communities Community Health Needs • Miramichi Business Community Miramichi’s population has seen Assessment (CHNA) process, • Village of Neguac stakeholders in the community a decrease of three per cent from • Village of Blackville expressed a desire to be joined with 2006-2011. This decrease is mainly • Village of Rogersville their neighbouring community due to an aging population, • Northumberland County Sport of Neguac and jointly undergo with 19 per cent 65 years and Network • Miramichi Family Resource Centre the assessment process under the over. Also contributing to this • Community Mental Health Association umbrella of the Northumberland population decline is the fact that many younger families are • Local Clergy Area. Stakeholders expressed • Miramichi Regional Police Force this desire because the two leaving the community to seek employment elsewhere. Data also • MANGO Program communities share a number of • Social Inclusion Network shows that the community has health and wellness resources and • Live Well/Bien Vivre elevated rates of many chronic have a long history of working • Miramichi Family Violence Prevention together as one community. health conditions when compared Network • Education and Early Childhood Development • Francophone Community 6 Development to provincial averages, such as 6. Transportation issues in Wellness Network, which provides high blood pressure, gastric reflux the community that impact community members of all ages (GERD), arthritis, depression and health. affordable programs to improve chronic pain. The 10 priority areas social environments and personal determined from the CHNA are 7. Lack of awareness regarding health practices. It is also very outlined in the following. programs and services encouraging to see the great already available in the Priority Areas initiative demonstrated by the community. Miramichi Healthy Child Network, 1. The need to improve 8. The need for a mental health which is bringing stakeholders supports in the community mobile crisis service in the together to develop a country- for families that are community. wide strategy to better support struggling and experiencing area families and children. Other difficulties. 9. Limited recreational positive actions stemming from the activities for children and CHNA include the establishment 2. An increase in mental health youth in the community, of a Mobile Crisis Team and the issues among children and particularly within outlying development of the Positive Mental youth in the community. areas. Health Strategy to empower the 3. Food insecurity in the community’s school population. 10. The need to improve community. community safety for Where do we 4. An insufficient amount of residents living in First go from here? affordable home care services Nation communities. The Miramichi area is vibrating in the community provided How are we doing? with positive change. Community by well trained, adequately involvement and enthusiasm will compensated staff. Since completion of the CHNA for continue to be vitally important Miramichi, a tremendous amount 5. The need for a community to sustain this change, with initial of work has been accomplished to successes measured through wellness centre with ratify the needs of the community continued community participation. affordable programs targeted and address the recommendations. at all age groups. Addressing food insecurity in the We are also looking forward community and the prevention of to hearing more from the childhood obesity are priorities for Transportation Workgroup as Miramichi, as evidenced with its we work to develop a community Fresh for Less and 5-2-1-0 A Way transportation plan which will of Life programs, which focus on address the gaps identified in this affordable access to fresh fruits and area. vegetables and physical activity in In the following pages you will place of screen time for kids. learn more about the Miramichi Uniting the community is also area’s wonderful programs and a priority, with excellent work services. being done through the Be Alive Photo: City of Miramichi Photo: Photo: City of Miramichi Photo:

7 Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for the 5-2-1-0 A Way of Life Miramichi Area in 2015. The following article highlights key recommendations of that assessment.

5 2 1 0 Healthy Eating & Physical Activity

It takes a village to raise a healthy A committee, led by Murphy or risked becoming overweight. child — that’s the belief of and Roussel, was formed last fall. What was concerning to all involved those behind a new initiative in The committee includes health were the factors that lead to obesity Northumberland County. The professionals, education officials, of children at such a young age, 5-2-1-0 A Way of Life initiative daycares, City of Miramichi officials, including birth weight, weight hopes to reduce childhood obesity First Nations members, parents, gain in first years, parental weight, and raise healthy children, all while and volunteers. The need for such breastfeeding, introduction of solids, educating and engaging the entire an initiative was sparked by rising income, and parental denial. “If community about healthy lifestyles. obesity rates across Canada and parents don’t perceive their children Renée Murphy, MANGO program New Brunswick, as well as a lack of as obese,” Roussel says, “they won’t co-ordinator, and Annie Roussel, statistics for the province’s youngest change their habits.” Miramichi Public Health dietitian, children. While there was plenty of Tobi Deveaux, a resident and active want families and community data for school-aged children, there volunteer in the community, agrees: was very little for children from members to be able to live, work, “As a mom of two young athletes and play in an environment where birth to 3.5 years old. A study, done in partnership between Miramichi and a fitness instructor, I have the healthy choice is the easy choice. been volunteering with health They believe a healthy lifestyle can Public Health and the Université de Moncton, of 2,595 children aged and wellness committees in our begin with the four simple messages community for over 10 years. I of the 5-2-1-0 slogan: zero to 3.5 years found the majority of children were obese, overweight, have never been so excited about an • Enjoy - 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day • Power down - No more than 2 hours of screen time each day • Move more - At least 1 hour of physical activity everyday • Drink more water - 0 sugar

added beverages City of Miramichi Photo: This initiative originated in the United States, and found success in other Canadian provinces. It has been adapted for the needs of Northumberland County. 8 Photo: Getty Images Photo:

initiative as I am about 5-2-1-0 A want to make it easier to make Way of Life! I firmly believe that a healthy choice.” The initiative this program can change people’s will also curve the consequences lives. It is simple, not restrictive, of obesity, such as diabetes, high and it promotes a message that is cholesterol, high blood pressure, universally accepted by all health sleep apnea, joint problems, professionals. Drink more water, depression, and even cancer. As eat vegetables and fruit, move your well, being overweight or obese body, and put down the screen - so in early childhood significantly simple, yet so powerful.” increases the likelihood of being Although obesity trends will be overweight or obese in adolescence tracked, of which they aim to and adulthood. reduce or at the very least keep Future plans for the team include stable, it will take a long time to designing a toolkit for health measure data. The success of the care professionals and daycares program will be marked by the to adopt the 5-2-1-0 initiative changes made by leaders in the in their organization. They also community. An indicator of its plan to visit various community success, for example, may be that organizations to discuss how the a daycare chooses to no longer community can work as a whole to serve juice and a family physician create healthier environments. will include the 5-2-1-0 messages For more information, please when counselling families. “We contact Renée Murphy by email at live in an environment where it’s René[email protected] or hard for families to lead healthy by phone at 627-7563. lifestyles,” said Murphy. “We 9 Photo: Getty Images Photo: Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Fresh 4 Less program Needs Assessment for the Miramichi Area in 2015. The following article highlights doing its part to key recommendations boost food security of that assessment.

A program that has taken root in vegetables, and reach their optimal the Miramichi area is helping to five a day,” she said. “It’s also improve the health and well-being rewarding to see others coming of Northumberland area individuals forward to sponsor community Food Insecurity and families who previously had members who are living on a low difficulty accessing fresh fruits income.” and vegetables for their daily Generous sponsorships have consumption. been received from the City insecure,” Cormier indicated. It’s Fresh 4 Less, initiated in October of Miramichi, the Greater a large, spread-out region with 2016 by the Northumberland Blackville Resource Centre, the many rural areas, making it difficult Food Security Network, currently Northumberland Community for some residents to access fresh, benefits 400 participants each month Inclusion Network, and many whole foods. There’s also a lack of in the Miramichi and surrounding community members. skill in food preparation, which can areas. Its purpose: to improve health “My hope as a dietitian is to see contribute to an over-reliance on less outcomes of the communities by healthy choices being the EASY nutritious prepackaged, processed offering fresh fruits and vegetables choice in our community,” Cormier foods,” she said. at a lower cost to consumers and said. “Many great initiatives are ensuring food security – sufficient, The large regional Fresh 4 currently focusing on improving the Less program was inspired safe, nutritious food to maintain a food culture in Northumberland healthy and active life. by a smaller program that has County and Fresh 4 Less makes met with great success in the Melanie Cormier, a dietitian accessing fresh fruits and vegetables community of Eel Ground First with Horizon Health Network’s easier for many people.” Nation. In a community where Mango program, serves as co-chair Unfortunately, 11% of homes in 40% of residents do not have food of the Food Security Network Northumberland County and 23% security, the program has created and helps with management and of county homes with children much excitement about and administration of Fresh 4 Less. under the age of five are “food real connections to healthy food The program is operated from four distribution centres in Miramichi and from one in each of the communities of Baie Ste-Anne, Neguac, Rogersville, Blackville, and Redbank First Nation. Produce is bought in bulk from a wholesaler, sorted and bagged by volunteers, and distributed to clients once a month. Cormier is pleased to see Fresh 4 Less helping people who cannot afford to buy fresh food staples every month. “They get access to healthy produce at a low cost that in turn helps them learn how to eat and prepare new fruits and 10 “The movement we have seen take 4 Less initiative since its beginning. place here is contagious and it’s no It serves as a distribution centre and surprise we have been used as a has recently taken on registration and model for the larger program and the sorting of produce. “Our clients the larger good. We’re all better off feel a sense of ownership and pride helping each other gain access to in the Fresh 4 Less program as they fresh food at a reasonable cost.” work together with volunteers and the community to improve wellness,” said alternatives, especially among Owen Ward, 13, one of the young Beatrice Loggie, executive director young people. The program food champions at Eel Ground, of Caring Friends. “The program eventually evolved into an open enjoys the hands-on experience the is a great way to give back to our market-style operation set up programs have provided. “I like community.” once a week on Saturdays at the helping out and volunteering,” he Natoaganeg Community Food said. “It’s better than video games!” People wanting to get involved with Centre. Lisa Doucet, outpatient dietitian at Fresh 4 Less can register and get a bag of fruits and vegetables for either $10 Chad Duplessie, project Miramichi Regional Hospital and a or $20 (small vs. large). They can also coordinator for Healthy Bodies, Fresh 4 Less client herself, has high sponsor a community member who’s in Minds and Spirits at Eel Ground, praise for the program. “I promote need of assistance, or donate financially was witness to the enthusiasm it every day as many of my patients to the program and organizers will of Fresh 4 Less and is pleased to have a hard time buying fruits and locate someone to sponsor. see it’s served as a model for the vegetables. I encourage everyone regional program. to become a member, regardless of For more information about their financial means.” Fresh 4 Less in the Miramichi “What better time to influence area call 506-627-7562. people on good food and nutrition Caring Friends Activity Centre than when they’re young,” he said. has been involved with the Fresh 11 Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for the Be Alive Wellness Network Miramichi Area in 2015. The following article highlights key recommendations of that links seniors to available assessment. services

An organization in partnerships established have made Northumberland County is doing a positive difference in people’s lives. its part to encourage, foster, and “I have a passion for wellness support healthy life choices among and truly believe in the benefits Senior Isolation and older adults in the community. Lack of Community/Social of healthy lifestyles,” she said. Supports for Seniors It’s also making great strides in “Furthermore, I’m very fortunate increasing awareness of the key to work with people who have programs and services that are the same passion. Many members available to assist this group in of Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness are making informed decisions. volunteers and give of their personal The Northumberland Be Alive time to help and support the communities to promote the active Seniors’ Wellness Network (Be community.” participation of seniors. Alive Seniors’ Wellness) facilitates Being aware of programs is a key Murphy says achieving the vision access to local wellness groups, factor, and being able to access of a society for all ages requires an tools, and resources that will help them is crucial. As a partner in age-friendly approach to wellness. families improve their health and Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness, the It allows communities to value and the wellness of fellow community Northumberland Community involve seniors, while making sure members. Inclusion Network (CIN) is appropriate services and supporting “We serve in an advocacy role and developing a plan to provide environments are in place. “The are a voice for seniors,” said Renée affordable transportation options City is leading the way; we are Murphy, chair of the network and for people who are unable to get to being supportive; and we’ll help to a dietitian with Horizon Health wellness-related appointments. involve other communities,” she Network’s Mango program. Isabella Imperatori, CIN says. “There will be lots of benefits “Whether it’s a fitness program, a coordinator, says the need is there for seniors.” wellness fair, or simply an easier and it’s urgent. “Many seniors way to access traditional health cannot afford cabs and it can often care, we share bilingual information be difficult to wait for the bus or a about services and help to get people shuttle. By the end of this year, the talking about what’s available in CIN of the Northumberland region different communities.” plans to implement an efficient Murphy points out that different community transportation service, age groups have different health with volunteer drivers, similar to and wellness needs. “It’s important what’s available on the Acadian to make sure all members of our Peninsula and in Kent County.” community have access to accurate Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness applauds information and opportunities that the CIN transportation initiative will enable them to stay healthy,” and the City of Miramichi for its she said. resolution to become an official As a health professional working age-friendly community and with wellness networks, Murphy’s all that it involves. The global greatest reward has been seeing movement, initiated by the World that projects put in place and Health Organization, encourages 12 Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness ('"( #%#'( $" partners represent various organizations including:          the Department of Health; 24 the Department of Social 24 Development; the NB Senior  Citizens Federation; Addictions  (%(#()#"(( ! %($# (#"($#"(( ('!"( and Mental Health Services; ( !(" $($$#(#("#(($#"( ( !#(# (% ! $" Public Health; the Extra-Mural #"#'(! ( '"(#%#'( !(&(( $#"( (($#"( !( ! Program; the Healthy Active #("(" ()(# (($"(( ("#!#(#%#"( Living Program; the City of $"( !($"(! $ "(#("#(('"( !(& Miramichi; and various seniors’  "(&#( !( #'(" $( ! !( '"(#%#"(# ((( clubs and organizations. 24 ( !%#("( Judy Bowman, Miramichi  !( '"(#%#'( ! %"(!#!(#()#" regional representative of 150 minutes per Healthy Active Living NB Being active for at least and activity coordinator at Let’s Talk Intensity! week can help reduce the risk of: • Chronic disease (such as high blood pressure and Miramichi Senior Citizens Home, Moderate-intensity physical activities will cause heart disease) and, older adults to sweat a little and to breathe harder. • Premature death has received positive feedback Activities like: And also help to: • Brisk walking about Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness • Maintain functional independence • Bicycling from older adults, both in the • Maintain mobility community and at presentations Vigorous-intensity physical activities will cause older • Improve tness adults to sweat and be ‘out of breath’. Activities like: • Improve or maintain body weight • Maintain bone health and, she has delivered. • Cross-country skiing • Maintain mental health and feel better “The consensus is that our regional • Swimming Be Alive Seniors’ Network is vital for sharing information about Pick a time. Pick a place. Make a plan and move more!Take up a favourite sport again.  Be active with the family! Plan to have “active reunions”. health initiatives, social functions,  Join a community urban poling or mall walking group.  Go for a nature hike on the weekend. fitness classes, and volunteering  Go for a brisk walk around the block after lunch.  Take the dog for a walk after dinner.  Take a dance class in the afternoon. opportunities, and it inspires the  Train for and participate in a run or walk for charity! over-50 age group to engage mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically in their lives,” Bowman said. “Many Now is the time. Walk, run, &&&" $" or wheel, and embrace life.

in our region share and promote these opportunities, passing along to their peers and younger generations the wisdom and knowledge about how to have meaningful, productive lives.” Information about the various groups, tools, and resources available to seniors in New Brunwick is located online at http://www.wellnessnb.ca/seniors/. Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness has also developed a seniors’ guide that outlines how to access various services. For more information about Be Alive Seniors’ Wellness and/or to obtain a guide, call 506-627-7563. 13 Photo: Getty Images Photo: About the Neguac Area

Key Stakeholders (Advisory Committee) • Mental Health Professionals (Neguac) • Mental Health Professionals Photo : Getty Images Photo (Miramichi) • Patients living with chronic The Neguac area covers a small Advisory Committee (CAC) and disease geographic area in the north east have been committed to improving • Family Support Services part of New Brunswick. The the overall health of their respective • Senior Issues • Northumberland Alternative area is primarily a Francophone residents. Following the completion Level of Care Committee community strongly connected of the CHNA, the CAC formed • Spiritual Leaders to its Francophone heritage and small working groups to begin • Domestic Violence Support culture, and is also home to the improvement projects. Services Esgenoopetitj First Nation. Much • Eel Ground First Nation & Well of the community is made up of What was learned Being rural villages and hamlets with a • Metepenagiag First Nation through the Health & Well Being population of 8,656. 1,715 residents Community Health • Rogersville Health and Well are Esgenoopetitj First Nation, with Needs Assessment? Being 14.1% of residents in the Neguac area identifying as Aboriginal. Neguac’s population has seen a decrease of three per cent from In the early stages of the as well as a persistence of arthritis, 2006-2011. This decrease is mainly Community Health Needs gastric reflux (GERD), diabetes, due to the fact that many younger Assessment (CHNA) process, chronic pain, heart disease, cancer, families are leaving the community stakeholders in the community emphysema or COPD, and mood to seek employment elsewhere. expressed a desire to be joined with disorders other than depression, Historically, the Neguac area was their neighbouring community of and stroke. The 10 priority areas reliant on agriculture, forestry, Miramichi and jointly undergo determined from the CHNA are and fishing. Agriculture and the assessment process under the outlined in the following: forestry have seen declines in recent umbrella of the Northumberland Priority Areas Area. Stakeholders expressed this decades; however, since much of desire because the two communities the community is situated on the 1. Addressing the need for share a number of health and north shore of Miramichi Bay, improved family supports. fishing and fish processing are still a wellness resources and have a 2. Addressing mental health issues major source of employment in the long history of working together among children and youth. as one community. Members of community. Data also shows that 3. Addressing food insecurity in both communities formed the the community has elevated rates of the community. Northumberland Area Community high blood pressure and depression, 14 4. Addressing the need for commendable work for an issue that affordable and competent home is all too common in many other care services. communities. 5. Improving safety for First Nation residents. Where do we 6. Addressing the need for go from here? improved transportation. The population of the Neguac 7. Creating awareness regarding area, including Esgenoôpetitj existing community resources. First Nation Community, is known for its resiliency, unity, 8. Developing a plan to implement strong cultural values, and a a mobile crisis service. willingness to work together to Photo: Sheena Dougan Photo: 9. Addressing prescription drug address challenges. Even prior abuse/addiction. to the results of the Community 10. Addressing the need for Health Needs Assessment being bilingual ambulance services. released, key stakeholders from the Neguac area already understood that the experiences children How are we doing? have during their first five years Since completion of the CHNA have a tremendous impact on the for Neguac, much work has development of their brains, their been done to verify the needs of health, and their future as adults. the community and address the The vibrancy of the area will most recommendations. The Neguac area definitely continue to contribute has recently demonstrated its unity to Neguac’s positive movement and resilience as it faced challenges as residents pool their efforts to related to the 2017 ice storm, with address priorities identified in the many households experiencing CHNA process. power outages for several days. In the following pages you will learn A review of the priorities identified more about Neguac’s wonderful by the CHNA process with leaders programs and services. of the community revealed the existence of efforts in addressing access to healthy and affordable Sheena Dougan Photo: food through the promotion of community gardens, access to a local food bank, and the promotion and implementation of Fresh for Less in their community. Also, a group was quickly brought together to review the data presented on the prevalence of drugs in the community (including Sheena Dougan Photo: inappropriate use of prescription drugs), and the development of a campaign to raise awareness of the issue and provide a venue to return prescription medication when it’s no longer required. This is 15 Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for Neguac Community Garden the Neguac Area in 2015. The following article highlights The seeds of community, belonging, agreed to tend to a garden plot key recommendations and togetherness have been planted over the summer. The garden also of that assessment. in Neguac with the addition of a received help from the carpentry community garden, which will class at CSC LaFontaine, which give access to fresh produce for built the garden boxes as part of its participating families. class project. Led by the Alnwick Wellness “Each family will choose what Committee, the community they want to plant based on a list Food Insecurity garden was made possible thanks of suggestions and guidelines,” to a $5,000-grant from the New said Roussel. “It will be their Brunswick Department of Social responsibility to plant, water, and Development’s Community Food harvest their crop, and then we’ll applying for the grant again next Action Program. host a third information session year. about preserving the harvest.” “We applied for the grant this “The overall plan is to expand the past winter,” said Annie Roussel, And local community gardening garden, build a shed, and purchase Chair of the Alnwick Wellness participants think the project is more garden tools,” said Roussel. Committee. “The money went an excellent idea. “We had been “We’d also like to add a social area to toward the purchase of garden box planting typical vegetables for promote community building.” materials and land preparations like a few years now and wanted to The community garden seeks to tree removal, new soil, and adding expand our garden and add some improve health outcomes in Neguac compost.” variety,” said Remi Rousselle and by offering fresh fruits and vegetables Julie Robichaud. “This community The creation of the garden, which to ensure food security – sufficient, garden is great because we think it’s is located at CSC LaFontaine, safe, nutritious food to maintain a important to have a variety of fresh included two information sessions healthy and active life. The garden vegetables on our plates, get a better over the spring months led by also seeks to promote a sense of understanding and appreciation for Jeanne D’Arc Lavoile, a well- belonging within the community nature, and enjoy the outdoors.” known organic gardener in the through resident involvement. Acadian Peninsula. Each session Following the harvest, the Alnwick attracted 12 participants, and from Wellness Committee will evaluate those participants five families the program, but is anticipating

16 17 Community Health Recognition Awards Celebrating individuals and groups in the community who are Community Health Recognition Awards Helping People Be Healthy! In the fall of 2016 Horizon announced the creation of the Community Health Recognition Awards (CHRA) to the Horizon Board, members of the Executive Leadership Team, and Horizon’s Local Community Engagement Committees. The awards aimed to celebrate individuals and groups that are making a difference to improve overall health in their community. Over 80 submissions for the Community Health Recognition Awards were received, and Horizon’s Local Community Engagement Committees reviewed the submissions and selected three winners from each of the Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John and Upper River Valley areas, for a total of 15 awards. Winners received $500 towards their charity, a certificate and an award.

18 Community Health Recognition Awards Celebrating individuals and groups in the community who are Helping People Be Healthy!

Congratulations Winners Fredericton Saint John • Doaktown Community • AIDS Saint John School Library • Crescent Valley Resource • “ I am Me” – East and Centre – Food Program Central African Association • Living SJ • Mountain Bike Minto Upper River Valley Miramichi • Gail Farnsworth – creating wellness • Fresh 4 Less programs for seniors in Nackawic • Natoaganeg Youth Champions – • Rowena Simpson – volunteer Eel Ground First Nation School for over 20 years with • Schizophrenia Society River Valley Lifeline of New Brunswick • True North Baptist Church – Moncton: “Got Your Back” Program A short video describing • Lise Brun – Development the services the individuals of Hope Library and organizations provide • Peter McKee Food Centre can be viewed at • St. Philips Anglican Church www.HorizonNB.ca (Learn to Cook and Learn to Sew Programs)

19 Message from Jean Daigle Photo: Sheena Dougan Photo:

Since introducing the first issue of In Your Community over one year ago, we have Community Health Needs June 2016 | Issue 1 celebrated the tremendous work of five Assessments in Action COMMUNITY New Brunswick communities to implement recommendations outlined in their Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). And this, our third issue, continues to demonstrate the commitment of community residents and leaders in two additional areas as they strive to improve population health. In this issue, we’ve highlighted some of the great work taking place in the Miramichi and Neguac areas. Like all New Brunswick communities, each of these areas is unique in terms of assets, strengths and needs, but they also share a common goal to bring together existing community-based services

Leading the way Under one roof and build on their ongoing efforts to promote better health and better care. 2 Horizon Health 8 Creating opportunity Cooking can and innovation be ‘Cool’ Lending a hand Network is helping 13 communities be in downtown The Oromocto 17 Helping you healthy Fredericton area is gaining a get around in We are proud that all 17 CHNAs have been completed. We now have an fresh perspective on Petitcodiac, healthy eating Salisbury, Elgin opportunity to use this information as a foundation for making informed and Havelock decisions about community-based health care. While we focus on two Community Health Needs October 2016 | Issue 2 communities in this issue, I would encourage you to revisit the previous Assessments in Action COMMUNITY issues to read about what is happening in five other Horizon communities. Horizon is a large organization, yet we contribute to just a small portion of what determines the health of an individual. This is why we are focused on working with many stakeholders, health care organizations, government, community organizations, and individuals like you to fully meet the unique needs of everyone in our communities. We each have an important role to play in improving the health of New Brunswickers. As always, I would like to thank the communities for participating in the CHNA process and for sharing their success stories. It is through their work, their collaboration with primary health care teams, and their commitment to prioritizing the needs of the population that we will continue to see

It’s about 2 community ‘I Got This’ improvement and growth at the community level. Horizon Health Network 8 New school program Making connections is helping people empowers youth in 14 NEW-C has new support be healthy Grand Lake area for Saint John’s Jean Daigle, Vice President Community North End In Your Community Oct 2016.indd 1 Horizon Health Network 2016-10-03 3:02 PM 20