October 2016 | Issue 2

Community Health Needs Assessments in Action COMMUNITY

It’s about ‘I Got This’ Making connections 2 community 8 New school program 14 NEW-C has new support Horizon Health Network empowers youth in for Saint John’s is helping people Grand Lake area North End be healthy Horizon Health Network’s number CEO Message one priority: Exceptional Saint John Discover Photo:

Helping people be healthy is about more patient than budgets and buildings – it’s about community. and family Our communities play an important role in improving the health of the people who live centred care there. In the pages that follow are examples Horizon puts patients and clients of how individuals and organizations are at the centre of the health delivery working together to identify innovative system with a vision of delivering ways to look beyond traditional health “Exceptional care. Every person. care and improve access to services at a Every day.” community level. Some of the recent changes In our first issue of In Your Community, we shared examples of the to our model of care include: exciting things happening in the Fredericton and Oromocto areas and in replacing restrictive visiting hours the communities of Petitcodiac, Elgin, Salisbury and Havelock. with a Family Presence Policy; This, our second issue, is inspired by the progress in the Saint John and collaborating with the Foundations Grand Lake areas as a result of completing their Community Health to provide free patient WiFi; Needs Assessments (CHNAs). We will explore the challenges and and eliminating smoking on our successes faced by these communities in their efforts to improve the properties. health of the people who live there. Each New Brunswick community The work being done is as unique as the communities themselves. served by Horizon is unique. CHNAs help to identify the unique strengths and needs in a community, Working with key community and provide recommendations to improve the health and wellness of partners, clinicians and other its population. The recommendations are being acted on passionately at stakeholders, we’ve made progress a community level across Horizon and we will feature successes from in identifying and addressing www.HorizonNB.ca other areas in future issues. their specific needs. This is an Our communities are taking the lead to improve the lives of their intentional effort initiated by residents by addressing the many factors that influence their health. Let’s Horizon to significantly improve keep the momentum going. community-based primary care, and support expensive tertiary John McGarry, President and CEO services required by an aging Horizon Health Network 2 population. Grand Lake Area 8 ‘I Got This’ Table of School program helps spread confidence, Contents reassurance

Photo: Rob Linden

Grand Lake 10 Area Queens North Health Centre supporting workers from Chipman Outreach

Photo: Kevin Goggan 14 October 2016 | Issue 2 Saint John NEW-C connects residents to wide range of health, social services Community Health Needs Assessments in Action COMMUNITY

Contributors: Creative lead: • Karen Scott • Sheena Dougan • Christy English Cover credits: • Photos submitted Resources: by: Kevin Goggan, • Jean Daigle Village of Minto • Bruce MacPherson • Allison Holland Printing: • Gabrielle Levesque • Taylor Printing • Janet Hogan Group Inc. 16 Saint John The following documents were used as resources for this publication: Seniors in Saint John benefit from • Grand Lake Area Community Health health promotion program Needs Assessment, 2015 • Community Health Needs Assessment: Saint John, 2014

www.HorizonNB.ca 18 Message from Jean Daigle

Vice President Community for Horizon Health Network 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 population, southern migration, community. centres of hospital-based care and and shift from rural to urban The good news is that work appropriate community-based care living, health care as we know it is is underway. Horizon Health “close to home” for New Brunswick changing. Government and non- Network (Horizon) is working in residents. It’s a system that would government organizations and partnership with communities to ensure every New Brunswicker has communities alike are looking for provide better preventive, primary, access to the services they need to be ways to deliver care in a way that and long-term care to everyone that as healthy as they can be. does a better job of meeting the lives there. 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 that 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.

Photo: Village of Minto What influences our health? 40% Health Behaviours

40% Social & Economic Factors

10% Physical Environment

10% Health 4 Services What is primary health care? Primary health care refers to an approach Mental Primary Home Care to health and a spectrum of services beyond Health Health Care the traditional health care system. It includes all services that play a part in health, such as income, housing, education, and environment. Primary care refers to health Common promotion, illness and injury prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of illness Themes and injury. (Health Canada) Transportation Emerging Recreation 13 Community Health Needs Acute Assessments Care Access to Information, completed to date Awareness

Intersectoral/ Obesity, Community Food Partnership Insecurity

Housing Substance Poverty Abuse The province is divided into 33 unique communities to ensure a better perspective of regional and local differences. Community Health Needs Assessments have been completed in 13 of them. First • Oromocto and • Moncton and Supporting Language Area Surrounding Families Nations Issues • Fredericton and Area Surrounding • Grand Lake Area Area In your community • St. Stephen, St. • Neguac Area Knowing what is happening in your community is important. In the first Andrews and • Miramichi Area issue of In Your Community, Horizon collaborated with three communities Surrounding • Tantramar Area that had completed CHNAs: the Fredericton and Oromocto Areas and Area the communities of Petitcodiac, Salisbury, Elgin and Havelock. This, our • Petitcodiac, • Central NB second issue, profiles what is happening in two more communities with Salisbury and • Albert County completed CHNAs: Saint John and the Grand Lake Area. In the pages that Surrounding • Carleton follow you will get a better understanding of what they are doing to build Area County healthier communities and we will dig deeper into the specific priorities, • Saint John challenges, and successes they face. Watch for our next issue that will feature news from other 5 Horizon communities. About Grand Lake Key Stakeholders Advisory Committee • Healthy and Inclusive Communities / Department of Area Social Development – Wellness Branch (Wellness Consultant) • Christian Community Church, Minto • Chipman Forest Avenue School • Minto Memorial High School • Cambridge Narrows The Grand Lake Area includes The area experiences elevated Community School • Chipman Village Council the villages of Minto, Chipman, rates of mental illness, higher • Minto Village Council Cambridge-Narrows and 14 other than the New Brunswick average, • Chipman Health Centre communities spread across the therefore much of the work to date (Management) predominantly rural region of New has focused on enhancing both • Queens North Community Brunswick. treatment and prevention services. Health Centre (Management) • J.D. Irving Mill In 2015, the results of the Today, there is a strong, • Community Development Community Health Needs community-based effort gaining • Care‘N’Share (Chipman) Assessment (CHNA) for the Grand momentum as new services and • Primary Health-Care Providers Lake Area were released. The programs are implemented. This • Home Care Plus (Jemseg) report reflected some of the well- work is impacting the overall health • Local Pharmacy – known challenges in the area and of people living in the Grand Lake Minto/Chipman helped identify other unique needs Area in a much-needed positive • Chipman Community Care of the community. It identified eight light. • Chipman Youth Centre priority areas and recommendations What was learned to inform the work of Horizon through the 4. Limited time and resources to Health Network, municipalities, the Community Health spend on preventive/educational provincial government and other Needs Assessment? health programming. community partners. There are eight priority areas to 5. Lack of awareness about services The members selected to form the and programs available in the Grand Lake Area Community work on: community. Advisory Committee (CAC) are 1. The increasing rate of adult familiar with those challenges and overweight/obesity in the 6. A decrease in mental resiliency have been working hard to improve community. and coping skills in children and the overall health of the people youth in the community. 2. Families in the community living in the area. Following the 7. Limited recreational completion of the CHNA, the CAC that are struggling and facing programming for children and formed small working groups to new complex challenges. youth in the community. tackle projects together. 3. The increasing rate of child and youth mental health 8. Limited options for palliative issues in the community. care and respite care in the 6 community. How are we doing? event to improve the bike trails and The Wellness Café is located on ensure bikes were available. Main Street in Chipman. Call The Grand Lake Area may be 339-6726 for more information. comprised of many small rural Many opportunities exist for towns and villages, but they have bringing people together and While leading this change for demonstrated that they are focused increasing community participation improved health and well-being is on delivering big ideas in response and engagement, both of which a collaborative effort, the impact on to the priorities identified in the can contribute to improved mental, primary care providers must not be CHNA. physical and social well-being. forgotten. Learn more about how Promoting recreation for children The NEW Clinic is a weekly Chipman Outreach Inc. is keeping and youth and addressing the program focused on wellness its staff healthy with monthly increasing rate of obesity in our and helping those at risk for sessions focused on self-care, healthy chronic disease. To find out eating, and managing shiftwork on communities is a priority. In rural more call 327-7800 or 327-7902. communities, having access to page 10. arenas, fitness facilities, and even In recognition of the higher than Where do we extracurricular activities is often normal mental health-related issues go from here? limited for all ages. For some, in the community and the lack There is an opportunity to connect travelling to participate in events of awareness about services and these smaller communities and and activities is not possible, programs available, a new program leverage resources to offer more highlighting the need for new and has emerged. The “I Got This” robust programs and services to exciting initiatives close to home. program is offered to high school- serve their population. The CAC aged students in the area. For more The first annual Coal Miner’s for the area is focused on making information see page 8. Lung mountain bike race those connections and improving in in Minto took place People in many urban areas rely on all of the priority areas identified in on July 17, 2016. both the service and the space made The event brought together the CHNA. available at coffee shops, libraries people of all ages to participate Progress has been made on the in a local recreational activity. and independent health providers mental health and addictions front, in order to gather, participate in however there is much more to do. Mountain biking is a recreational activities, learn about upcoming Recreational programming and care activity that is embraced in the events, and to relax. area. A local physician, Sean for seniors are other priority areas Chipman’s Care’N’Share Family Morrissy, worked with members of that must be addressed. Resource Centre found an the community in advance of this The more community members use innovative way to bring community these new programs and services the programs and services under more likely they will be sustainable. one roof – a wellness café. The Providing the necessary programs café offers a comfortable setting and services to address the needs and access to a variety of services of the area and eliminating the and programs like acupuncture, barriers to accessing them will help painting, crafts, coffee, and to maintain and rejuvenate the reading corners. Supported by the community spirit. Department of Social Development, the service is expected to be expanded.

7

Photo: Rob Linden Photo: Village of Minto Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for the Grand ‘I Got This’ – School Lake Area in 2014. The following article highlights key outcomes of program helps spread that assessment. confidence, reassurance

Students in the Minto area youth mental health issues were are being introduced to a new on the rise and a harsh reality that Mental Health wellness program that helps them needed to be addressed. understand and cope with pressures ‘I Got This’ embodies the principles that can lead to addiction and of empowerment, resilience and mental health issues. positivity. While each grade at “I know personally what it’s like Lacey Stewart, a social worker with MMHS received the program last to think you cannot cope with a the Queens North Community year, going forward the program is situation, and how that makes Health Centre, helped with the being offered to each new Grade 9 you feel,” the student said. “The design and co-facilitates ‘I Got class and, hopefully, to each grade program provided me with different This,’ which was first offered last at Chipman Forest Avenue School, tools to help deal with stress, like December at Minto Memorial High grades 6 to 12, Stewart explained. self-care and relaxation. It made School (MMHS), grades 9 to 12. The program covers statistics on me think ‘I can do this’ and also Several factors can contribute to stress, important terms, and coping reminded me that I do not have to mental health issues in children and tools such as deep breathing, go through tough situations alone. youth, Lacey says, including high journaling, physical activity, positive There is help when I need it.” stress, abuse, trauma and learned self-talk, mindfulness, spirituality, According to the Canadian patterns of negative thinking. sleep and helping others. The goal Mental Health Association, young is to improve students’ coping “There has been a lot of loss in the Canadians are suffering from rising skills and to have them realize that area recently and it is crucial for levels of stress, anxiety, depression everyone has and can get through the community social worker to and even suicide. In fact, 10 to 20 stressful and difficult times. not only be interested in clinical per cent of Canadian youth are practice but also going out into the One MMHS Grade 11 student said ‘I affected by a mental illness or community, creating partnerships Got This’ was extremely helpful and disorder, and the country’s youth and helping to establish and run that all students should receive it. programs and support groups in order to address this issue,” Stewart said. “Stress is one of the most common issues I see in my work. People often mention having a low mood, sleeping problems, anxiety and loss of interest in everyday things when reporting stress and feelings of depression.” That’s where ‘I Got This’ comes in. Stewart learned from working in the community and through her association with MMHS guidance counsellor Ronna Gauthier that 8 Photo: Village of Minto suicide rate is the third highest in the halls. Teachers the industrialized world. also use the phrase Gauthier, in her role as school and reinforce the guidance counsellor, gets to know lessons learned in the students personally and sees the workshop.” issues when they surface, first hand. One activity She is always looking for new and associated with ‘I innovative ways to help students Got This’ created and create a positive learning a lot of buzz in the environment. ‘I Got This’ certainly classroom, Stewart fills that bill. said. Students “With ‘I Got This’ we take a were first asked proactive approach to mental to list on a piece of paper positive resilience as opposed to a reactive able to identify that when we one when issues arise,” she said. characteristics they felt could be attributed to them individually compliment others it not only “Since we branded the message and and then circulate the notes for makes the recipients feel good, but have highlighted it in the school, classmates’ input. we often feel good also, as a result of it is not uncommon to overhear spreading positivity and kindness.” a student say ‘I Got This’ when “This not only sparked conversation about the importance of positive For more information about ‘I Got confronted with a difficult situation, This’, contact the Queens North or to hear a peer remind a friend self-talk, but also the realization that one small compliment can Community Health Centre at ‘You Got This’ while pointing at 506-327-7800. one of the many signs we have in completely change someone’s day for the better. Students were 9 Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment for the Grand Queens North Health Lake Area in 2014. The following article highlights key outcomes of Centre supporting workers that assessment. from Chipman Outreach

Sustaining a healthy community “The idea is to encourage healthy requires a strong and healthy work habits, enabling COI workers workforce. to remain employed for the long Access to Intersectoral/ term,” Comeau said. Information, Community With that in mind, therapeutic Awareness Partnerships staff members at Queens North COI has 31 years of experience Community Health Centre empowering senior, disabled, (QNCHC) are lending a helping injured and convalescing hand to staff at Chipman Outreach community members and their “The presenters from QNCHC Inc. (COI) family members to remain active are high-quality, organized and For several months this year, and vital within the community and know how to engage the staff,” clinicians including occupational to live as independently as possible. Chase said. “There are always many therapists, physiotherapists, COI staff and personal care aides options and a good schedule, and dietitians and social workers have take pride in their role in improving the information is very valuable. delivered monthly information their clients’ health and quality of We hope to keep this relationship sessions to personal care aides. The life, and contributing to their sense going.” of confidence and self-worth. aides work with clients in need In his role at QNCHC, Comeau of support for daily living in their Speaking on behalf of the aides, works with community partners homes. Peggy Chase, COI coordinator, from various sectors. Eric Comeau, QNCHC’s describes the arrangement with QNCHC as being very positive. “Partners of QNCHC are community developer, has invested and interested in seeing organized the course schedule and “The courses give the aides ensures the offerings are answering confidence in their ability to carry an actual need in the community. out their jobs and add to team “Our objective is to offer practical building, encouraging them to share sessions that help home care support their insights on various situations workers affiliated with COI avoid that arise,” she said. “The sessions burnout,” he said. “With changing also boost morale and endurance family structures in the Grand Lake levels, and teach them about the area due to industry job losses and, importance of managing stress and in many cases, the men in the family looking after themselves.” having to relocate to the West, many Chase says there is high turnout women are working in home care for the sessions and that aides come and doing shift work in order to forward quickly and regularly make ends meet.” saying, “I’m here to learn. Where Sessions have covered topics as do I sign up?” There is demand, varied as nutrition; mental wellness she said, for more information and and self-care; fall prevention and different types of courses – informal environmental modifications; and training that can help them cognitive changes/compensatory personally and that they can use to strategies. A training session on lift help their clients stay in their homes and transfer techniques was also on longer. the schedule. 10 improvements in the health of the community. They’re engaged, able to help with planning and development of community initiatives, and take on different responsibilities for different projects,” Comeau said. “The good relationship that our health care staff members have, as a team, with the community shows we are making a difference.” Hoping to offer an additional course to COI this year, Comeau says there are always things you need to work on from a population health perspective. “The key to planning projects and initiatives is to ensure the work we are doing can be sustained without continuous input. We also have to be sure we are meeting a prescribed need in the community and that we are reaching the population the project was designed for.” The intended audience, Comeau says, could be anyone in the

community or a more specific sub-group, as in the case of the staff at COI. “Our projects are always inclusive, which we feel goes a long way toward minimizing any stigma that may be associated with being involved.” Comeau and the clinicians at QNCHC intend to compile a collection of resources from the various presentations that were delivered to COI staff. This will enable other interested stakeholders from the area to review the resources and request a session if the subject matter suits their specific needs. For more information about the services offered at QNCHC, call 506-327-7800.

11 About Saint John

Key Stakeholders Advisory Committee • Horizon Health Network • Department of Social

Development Saint John Discover Photo: • Anglophone South School District Moving Saint John forward to works with a network of over • YMCA improve the health of individuals, 100 partners from three levels of • Association Régionale de la organizations and the community government, the private sector, non- Communauté Francophone at large requires the input and profits and neighbourhoods. de Saint-Jean • Saint John Human engagement of the people who live In January of 2015 a subcommittee Development Council there and the agencies that serve of Living SJ was established to • City Market Seniors them. In 2013, a diverse group of improve the health of residents • University of New Brunswick, community members came together through a neighbourhood-based Saint John to do just that, as part of the Saint model of care. This group reviewed • TRC – The Resource Centre for Youth John Community Health Needs the number of health issues that Assessment (CHNA) Community • BCAPI – Business Community existed within the North End Anti-Poverty Initiative Advisory Committee (CAC). alongside the results of the CHNA. • City of Saint John The CHNA process helped to Today, the priorities outlined in • Main Street Baptist Church identify and understand the needs the CHNA continue to guide • Saint John Police of Saint John’s communities – what community-based efforts to improve • Fundy Wellness Network • Enterprise Saint John development is required and what the overall health of the Saint John the future holds. It identified 13 population. formal recommendations to inform neighbourhood lens that the following the work of Horizon Health What was learned priority areas were discussed in the Network, municipalities and the through the CHNA: provincial government. Community Health Needs Assessment? 1. Access to Community-based Health Many of the enthusiastic and and Wellness Programs energetic Saint John CHNA CAC Saint John is a city that encompasses members now participate in Living a landscape of neighbourhoods 2. Defining Community School Concept SJ, a movement to end generational that have been defined as either 3. Fostering Community Partnerships poverty by removing barriers to of “poverty or plenty.” Five 4. Engaging Community in Policy and education, health and employment have been identified as priorities Spending for families who live in low-income due to challenges with housing, neighbourhoods. Living SJ uses a literacy, income, employment, 5. Addressing Poverty Collective Impact approach and and social supports. It is with this 6. Safe and Accessible Recreation 12 7. Addressing Mental Health 8. Enhancing Public Health, and the Saint John Police Saint John has had an influx of Transportation Force are working together to connect refugees and the demand for 9. Increased Focus on Prevention of children and under-employed adults many of the primary health care Disease and Screening with the services they need to achieve services has increased. The Saint health, wellness and improved quality John community has really stepped 10. Leveraging Tele-Care (211) of life. A Team Charter has been up by welcoming and engaging 11. Coordinating Food Security developed to ensure more equitable these families. They are offering Planning access to services particularly for assessment, education, referrals those living in poverty or low-income and follow-ups when required as 12. Expanding Rehabilitation neighbourhoods. a means to ensure that their needs Services Sexual health services are delivered are met. Service providers like 13. Sexual Health Services by a nurse practitioner (NP) at The the YMCA, Department of Social How are we doing? Resource Centre for Youth (TRC) and Development, and many other not- plans are underway to have the NP for-profit organizations have offered Since completion of the CHNA for deliver similar services at two high support. Saint John, a significant amount schools. Mental health services are also of work has been done to validate available at the NEW-C every Friday. the needs of the community and Not only will this foster community to address the recommendations. partnerships but it will enhance Living SJ is active in the community service offerings to improve the health and should be credited for bringing and well-being of everyone in the various stakeholders together and community. taking a collective approach to A food purchase club serving addressing the many factors that various neighbourhoods is impact the health of an individual. placing 150-180 orders a month, improving access to fruits and With the help of ONE Change, vegetables for families. the North End Wellness Centre (NEW-C) opened at 223 Victoria Street in February 2016 to Priority populations for Saint John enhance access to health services are often disadvantaged by poverty, in the area – see page 14. therefore lack access to transportation. Where do we go Many of the services being introduced from here? Enhancing access to community- are focusing on those areas or The momentum to date has the based health and wellness programs moving to different communities in potential to create a shift in the has been identified as a means to an effort to provide equal access to way Saint John communities address the high utilization rate for primary care. For years, nurses and experience primary health emergency rooms and after-hours NPs from St. Joseph’s Community care. With the NEW-C up and clinics, the increasing prevalence Health Centre have been dispersed to running to complement the other of people living with chronic outreach sites in several disadvantaged neighbourhood outreach sites disease and the number of hospital areas, with social workers, dietitians, and the Living SJ movement in admission rates for ambulatory occupational therapists, and care in Saint John. Using a patient- pharmacists spending time at all of full swing, the focus must shift centred approach, the services the outreach sites to provide access to toward measuring the success of being offered are helping patients quality, team-based care. Among the these community efforts. To fully understand their own health needs services offered are smoking cessation support the needs of the people of and are connecting them with the and respiratory health screenings to Saint John, fostering community appropriate community services that address the rising rates of chronic partnerships must continue to be a support their health. disease. priority. Many factors determine the health In the following pages you will learn Zoomers on the Go is a seniors- of an individual. That’s why led fitness program intended more about how service providers service providers from sectors to improve both social and can work together to deliver like Education, Health, Social recreational engagement, while multiple programs and services in Development, Housing Alternatives, focusing on rehabilitation – learn key communities to improve access more on page 16. Churches, Addictions and Mental to care. 13 Horizon Health Network conducted a Community Health NEW-C connects residents Needs Assessment for the Saint John Area in 2013. The following article highlights key to wide range of health, outcomes of that assessment. social services The North End Wellness Centre (NEW-C), a new satellite site of St. Joseph’s Community Health Primary Intersectoral/ Centre in Saint John, offers various Health Care Community services to local residents that have Partnerships an impact on their determinants of health, including education, employment, housing, social support networks and personal health community. As a consequence, clients practices. might look to her for one thing, such as An important cog in the wheel that where to go to upgrade their education, keeps NEW-C rolling is Tanya for example, only to reveal later that James, the centre’s Community they don’t have a health care provider Connector. and are looking to become more involved in their community. At this As part of a three-year project point, James needs to connect with her funded by Saint John’s United network of partners to get clients the Font: Myriad Pro Condensed Way and the Department of Social help they need. Development, James works with an inner city community health and supports individuals and centre in Halifax. “I reach out to a multitude of sectors, both to give and receive client referrals families in their efforts to access “My preceptor, who is now director and to gain insight into my target and navigate government and of a successful, grassroots social population from people who have community programs and services. enterprise, saw outside of a purely extensive experience in their fields,” She brings together aspects of the clinical scope and believed in she said. She also has a guidance more formal health care system with building up a strong and resilient committee in place that works to recreation, job training, education, community by valuing its assets,” ensure that sectors outside of health employment and other supports, James said. “I have brought this care are engaged in the work she does. using a resident-centred approach. mindset with me to all workplaces James works exclusively with since.” “It broadens my perspective to share with people who have a different lens residents of the city’s North End, James points out that living in through which they see neighbourhood with a focus on Anglin Drive, poverty affects a person’s ability to development. Our group includes Crescent Valley and the Old North choose healthy foods, take care of representatives from community End, where many people are living health issues, live in safe, quality centres, Centennial Elementary in poverty and struggling with food housing, and integrate into the security and affordable housing. School, Social Development, and the “I am a partner in my client’s wellness journey, acting as a guide, mentor and advocate who builds capacity for achieving goals,” she said. James has a passion for community health that was cemented early in her career during an internship at 14 faith community, in addition to Horizon Health Network,” James said. Clients of NEW-C often arrive without a support network and the skills needed to overcome challenges. Having new resources and support can mean the difference between having a problem and being in crisis, she said.

Stroke patient Cara Carr-Stewart says she cannot measure the benefits of NEW-C because they are so numerous. In addition to medical tests and assistance with filling out forms, she says the centre has given her a sense of peace. “Just knowing there is an organization to turn to if things go wrong means so much. They are generous with their time and will see me at the drop of a dime. They are very pleasant and interested in me as a human “It is just a matter of decreasing the a social worker – are available to see being.” barriers they face, such as finding clients one day a week. Diabetes patient Eric Garnett affordable child care so a parent “The need to provide service where would not hesitate to recommend can go to work. If they have the the services of NEW-C. He was people live is critical,” says Sue Haley, unable to operate the tools confidence and a good support director of Addiction and Mental needed for self-administered system in place, people will make Health Services for Horizon Health. blood testing. “Tanya was patient changes to improve their own lives.” and took 45 minutes to show me “Transportation and child minding how to operate the equipment,” After NEW-C opened its doors in are key factors as to why some people he said. “Now I can really do it February 2016, it became apparent cannot access service. Offering services myself. I also have plans to see a quickly that there was a need to that are easily accessible through a dietitian there to help me with my provide additional services to North neighbourhood-based model of care diet.” End residents, specifically around ensures that people who require our addictions and mental health. As a service are supported.” James says people have much potential result, two clinicians – an RN and in them already. James says she and the NEW-C health care team see people on a regular basis who don’t realize the extent of the assistance that is available to them in Saint John. There are many helping organizations out there and it’s not always easy to find out about them, or you might not have the confidence, knowledge and skills to access them, she said. “The impact of having great partners and relationships with residents is that if it is brought to our attention that there is a need that isn’t being met the NEW-C can work towards filling that gap.” For more information about the services available at NEW-C, call 506-649-2704. 15 Well Peppie, it’s quite exciting for Hey Saltie, what’s those of us getting older. “Zoomers on the Go” Look at what’s going Contact all about? on right in our Seniors in Saint John benefit neighbourhoods! Hey Peppie, I want to be part of “Zoomers on the Go”. from health promotion program Exercise Me too Saltie! Classes It’s never too late to get started. I’ll call ‘Zoomers on the Go’ – It’s not your basic fitness levels. For those 50 years and older, who and see how we can are independently mobile and get involved. daughter’s fitness class. living in the community: Social Get After results were studied from a • 45 minutes of free exercise Together St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre with warm-up, cardiovascular, Opportunity to gather after Developed by St. Joseph’s sample group of 48 Zoomers on the strength training, balance exercise to chat and mingle training and cool-down (506) 632-5537 Community Health Centre in Saint Go to track their progress over just • Exercise with or without a chair Falls Risk and at your own pace Comments • Led by older adult volunteer Assessment Clinic from Supporters Supporters John, the program is a community- 12 weeks, post-assessment scores instructors, certified as Senior Portable 10 minute screening “Being a partner means you Fitness Instructors by the clinic offered by health care Canadian Centre of Activity and never have to go it alone. Being based, fall prevention and health showed an improvement of 13.3 per professionals: Aging a partner allows you to be a part • of something where you can • Fun, relaxing environment Assess promotion initiative that came into cent in their general mobility and previous falls, contribute, whether it be time, • Registration required medication, We should ideas or encouragement and being after the centre identified fall risk. Fletcher says those enrolled vision, get screened. you ultimately get something sensation, back-a sense of accomplishment, Health Education strength, balance friendship and community spirit.” falls as a serious health risk among in the program for two years or Free 15 minute interactive talk: and coordination ~ Go Ahead Seniors / Healthy Active Living Program • Offered to exercise class • Helps identify people aged 50 and older. more showed timed get-up-and-go participants those at risk for “It is important to exercise • Topics may include such things falls and which regularly in order to age well, but as wise medication use, factors point to it can be hard to stay motivated. scores had improved by an average I am so excited that St. Joseph’s home/community safety that risk Coordinated by Lynn Fletcher, an Community Health Centre offers and healthy eating of 8.67 per cent. The sit-to-stand Sounds good free, fun, friendly classes where occupational therapist, Zoomers is Saltie, we can older adults can exercise at their Healthy receive our fall • This information own pace. It is a great way to stay scores were 13.44 per cent better, “We don’t stop playing because risk score. a seniors-led fitness program with Aging Skit is used to fit and meet new people. Fabulous! we grow old; we grow old help reduce ~ Pam Wallace (BScPT), despite the fact that participants Meet Laura and Ruthie as they your risk of Physiotherapist, Health and Aging a focus on rehabilitation to prevent chat at a local café after Ruthie future falls Program, Horizon Health Network because we stop playing.” had a fall. Loyalist Zone - George Bernard Shaw were two years older by that time. • Available to “One of the great advantages Seniors Zoomers on the go is a local falls prevention program comprised • 5 minute entertaining skit falls and improve health. groups or for the Loyalist Zone of being of volunteer led exercise classes and health education talks (also available on video) individuals a partner, is that it has made One participant, who has scoliosis for the fifty plus population in Southern New Brunswick. • Great to show at group information available to seniors “Research shows that physical meetings, gatherings etc. regarding the benefits of exercising along with how to become an and was involved in a bad car instructor to other seniors in the activity is the best way to prevent zone. ~ Loyalist Zone Seniors falls and to reduce the severity of accident, says she is unable to work but the program has made a prevent the issue from becoming a injury when a fall occurs,” she said. serious health problem.” “As we exercise, even at a moderate difference. pace, we improve heart function, “A friend got me to join Zoomers Seniors involved in regular, lung capacity, muscle strength and and now I come every week. It helps organized physical activity also balance, all of which help to keep me to get going and stay moving for receive psychological benefits, us healthy. Exercise also helps the rest of the week.” Fletcher adds. Participants get to know each other, form a social blood sugar levels, weight loss and Fletcher says keeping track of osteoporosis.” network and often go on to Zoomers’ progress is one of the best participate in other activities together. Over 300 people are registered and parts of the program. “We want One Zoomers group even volunteers taking part in Zoomers classes in them to see their improvements,” at a local school to run their lunch Saint John. The program is offered she said. “It motivates them to program. in local neighbourhoods and is continue and work to improve other free of charge in order to appeal to areas of their health.” “Our program is a great first step as people don’t have to commit to low-income seniors. In addition to Coordinators check in with classes participating in low-impact exercise attending so they can every couple of months and gradually become classes, participants learn strategies participants are able to ask them to prevent falls and improve their more involved,” about any health issues they may be Fletcher says. health. having. “We suggest options they Senior fitness leaders volunteer their may want to explore and refer them time to conduct one-hour classes in to various services at St. Joseph’s 10 locations throughout the greater Community Health Centre to help Saint John area. Open to those with various fitness levels, the classes are available once a week after participants have completed a brief health assessment to determine health status and 16 Well Peppie, it’s quite exciting for Hey Saltie, what’s Horizonthose of usHealth getting older. Network “Zoomers on the Go” Look at what’s going Contact all about? conducted on aright Community in our Health neighbourhoods! Hey Peppie, Needs Assessment for the Saint I want to be part of “Zoomers John Area in 2013. The following on the Go”. article highlights key outcomes of Exercise Me too Saltie! Classes that assessment. It’s never too late to get started. I’ll call For those 50 years and older, who and see how we can Community Health are independently mobile and get involved. living in the community: Social Get • 45 minutes of free exercise Together St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre with warm-up, cardiovascular, Opportunity to gather after Recognition Awards strength training, balance exercise to chat and mingle training and cool-down (506) 632-5537 • Exercise with or without a chair and at your own pace Falls Risk Comments Assessment Clinic • Led by older adult volunteer from Supporters Supporters Good health is more instructors, certified as Senior Portable 10 minute screening “Being a partner means you Fitness Instructors by the clinic offered by health care Canadian Centre of Activity and never have to go it alone. Being professionals: Aging Recreation a partner allows you to be a part than just good health care – • of something where you can • Fun, relaxing environment Assess previous falls, contribute, whether it be time, • Registration required medication, We should ideas or encouragement and vision, get screened. you ultimately get something it starts where people sensation, back-a sense of accomplishment, Health Education strength, balance friendship and community spirit.” Free 15 minute interactive talk: and coordination ~ Go Ahead Seniors / Healthy live, work and play. Active Living Program • Offered to exercise class • Helps identify participants those at risk for “It is important to exercise That is why Horizon Health Network is looking • Topics may include such things falls and which regularly in order to age well, but as wise medication use, “All classfactors point leaders to are membersit can be hard of to stay motivated. I am so excited that St. Joseph’s home/community safety that risk to celebrate individuals and/or groups that are making Community Health Centre offers and healthy eating the 50+ population and serve as Sounds good free, fun, friendly classes where Saltie, we can older adults can exercise at their a difference in Helping People Be Healthy. Healthy receivegreat our role fall models• This information – able toown set pace. Itan is a great way to stay “We don’t stop playing because Aging Skit risk score. is used to fit and meet new people. Fabulous! we grow old; we grow old example and alsohelp reduce understand ~ Pam Wallace many (BScPT), With the creation of Community Health Recognition Awards, Meet Laura and Ruthie as they your risk of Physiotherapist, Health and Aging chat at a local café after Ruthie future falls Program, Horizon Health Network because we stop playing.” had a fall. HorizonLoyalist Zone plans to recognize people, and/or groups, that understand - George Bernard Shaw of the struggles their fellow seniors • Available to “One of the great advantages Seniors Zoomers on the go is a local falls prevention program comprised • 5 minute entertaining skit groups or for the Loyalist Zone of being the importance of health and well-being and are working to of volunteer led exercise classes and health education talks (also available on video) are facing.” individuals a partner, is that it has made for the fifty plus population in Southern New Brunswick. • Great to show at group information available to seniors improve the factors that negatively impact population health in meetings, gatherings etc. regarding the benefits of exercising Canadian Physical Activityalong with how to become an their community. These contributions will be varied, and in some instructor to other seniors in the zone. ways unconventional, thereby creating a new way of thinking and Guidelines recommend ~at Loyalist least Zone Seniors 150 living for many at risk groups. Horizon wants to recognize efforts minutes of physical activity a week. that foster healthy living through programs or services where For that reason, Fletcher would like people of all ages can grow and thrive. to see additional classes added to the Zoomers on the Go schedule. She Horizon Community Health Recognition Awards said they receive frequent requests will be awarded based on the following categories: from participants to be able to attend more than one class a week, • Seniors Wellness • Food Security and several communities outside of greater Saint John have also • Youth Wellness • Accessibility requested the program. • Multicultural Health • Mental Health For more information on Zoomers, contact St. Joseph’s Community There are a total of 12 awards and Health Centre at 506-632-5537. recipients will be recognized in April. The awards will be based on: • scope of need • goals of program • overall number of • the positive impact persons to benefit on the community’s from the program health status Winners will receive a plaque and a $500 donation towards their program. Visit www.HorizonNB.ca or follow Horizon Health Network on social media for more information on how to submit your application! We know there are so many individuals and groups that work hard every day to Help People Be Healthy, and we want to say Thank You! 17 Message from Jean Daigle Photo: Discover Saint John Discover Photo:

In June, we brought you the first issue of In Your Community as a means to report back on the hard work that goes into preparing and implementing the Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). Our second issue does not disappoint with the Saint John and Grand Lake areas highlighting the considerable effort that they have put into this process. Every community we visit is unique, however, as you have seen in our first two issues, common themes have emerged. This is consistent across all 13 communities that have completed CHNAs to date. This magazine is an opportunity to put the spotlight on both the benefits and challenges of investing in community-based care, all while applauding the impressive achievements of our communities. From Horizon’s perspective, this initiative is paying off for all of us. We recognize that understanding a community’s strengths and needs is the foundation for making informed decisions about community-based health care. It is important to remember that health care is complex, and that measuring the health of a community goes far beyond looking at rates of disease and the availability of health care services. 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. I would like to thank the communities for participating in the CHNA process and for sharing their stories with us. If we are to change the habits of our population, address our demographic challenges and truly respond to the unique health care needs in our communities, our Completed Community priorities must continue to be guided by the needs of the population. Health Needs Assessment reports can be found at Jean Daigle, Vice President Community 18 Horizon Health Network www.HorizonNB.ca