FAMILY LITERACYThe Dartmouth Community Health Board recognizes literacy in our community as a key determinant of health. People must have basic literacy skills in order to improve their learning, to be able to find work, stay current with global and local events, and simply to find the joy in reading a book.

The Board supports literacy by holding events such as Word Up!, where children, youth and adults are brought together to celebrate literacy. At these events we provide games, books, and other activities that encourage people to read and to explore the joys of reading. We have also partnered with the IWK and Dartmouth groups interested in promoting literacy including the North Dartmouth and Woodlawn Libraries, Rotary Club, Police, Fire Fighters, Literacy Network, and the Boys and Girls Clubs to name a few. Make sure to look for our book exchange baskets in many of their facilities where you can bring and exchange books for your reading pleasure.

We also invite you to get to know your library as a centre for free life-long learning and your librarian as a resource for ideas and a good read. For a branch near you, contact the Halifax Public Library at 490-5744.

THE EYES, EARS AND VOICE FOR A HEALTHY DARTMOUTH COMMUNITY

What we’re working on this year:Last year you told us what community health priorities we should focus on. In response, we went to work right away forming two action groups: Healthy Eating / Active Living, and Family Literacy. This year, we have renewed our commitment to these issues.

Working towards a healthier community Health is more than just health care services. People create health in their everyday lives - where they live, work and play. The Dartmouth Community Health Board (DCHB) is interested in creating healthier communities and to serve as a bridge between our community and our health care system.

In your Community

HEALTHY EATING / ACTIVE LIVINGWe all know that adding a little bit of physical activity to your day can provide great health benefits. The key is to make being active fun and easy to do! The HEAL (Healthy Eating/Active Lifestyle) action group of the Dartmouth Community Health Board has been busy preparing a six week Walking Challenge that we hope just might do the trick! Walking is a great way to work physical activity into your day – it doesn’t require fancy gym equipment, and can be done in the company of good friends. Several teams have volunteered to compete in our Walking Challenge – a virtual walk across Canada. Using pedometers to count steps, distances walked will be tracked on a map. Where in Canada will each team end up? Visit our Web site and follow their progress as each team begins their challenge this April. To participate in a future Walking Challenge or to start your own, contact the Dartmouth Community Health Board.

COMMUNITY REPORT 2008-2009

PENHORN/WOODLAWN COMMUNITY VISIONINGA volunteer Community Liaison Group (CLG) is busy guiding the visioning process for the Penhorn/Woodlawn community and surrounding neighbourhoods. This community led initiative isfocused on what is possible for the area over the next 5, 10 and 20 years. The CLG has been actively engaging the community through workshops and surveys to determine what assets they value and what ideas they have for the future. For more information or for opportunities to participate, please visit www.halifax.ca/visionHRM/Penhorn/, or contact Kasia at 490-5190 and Maria at 490-4405.

WOODLAWN LIBRARYAfter public discussion and input, a new 12,000 foot library will become a reality. There are three locations under consideration: the current site that would be expanded and completely renovated; Penhorn Mall, possibly a free standing new build; and a third unknown site. Walkability, bus service and parking are all considerations being looked at to try to address everyones needs. Negotiations are ongoing and a decision is to be made this spring. Stay tuned!

If your local group or organization works to promote and build a healthier community - the DCHB would like to get to know you!

BOARD MEMBERS 2008-2009Sue Lemon and Cindy Brannen, Co-Chairs

Sara AbdoHilde CarsonLyn ClevelandIsabelle ForcierCarolyn FowlerElaine Jeffery

Donna MuirheadDebbie OldfordAnthony PouwPatrick RileyCarolyn RoosenJessie Sheppard

DARTMOUTH COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARDRoom 545, Belmont House33 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N4www.cdha.nshealth.ca/communityhealth/dartmouth

Monique Mullins-Roberts, Coordinatormonique.mullins-roberts@cdha.nshealth.caTel: 460-6869, Fax: 460-6847

Joanne Hensel, Administrative Assistantjoanne.hensel@cdha.nshealth.caTel: 460-6873

Contact Us

In i th i ss de is s ue: H n e v

- ealthy Eati g / Activ Li ing

a i L r- F m ly ite acy

m v e t- The Com unity De elopm n Fund

Com i H T a- Dartmouth mun ty ealth e m

n C m ni- I your o mu ty

- About the Health Board

...and more!

JOIN USIf you’re interested in community health, join the board and share your ideas with us. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2009. Contact Monique Mullins-Roberts for information.

The Dartmouth Community Health Board is avolunteer board in the Capital Health District that serves as a link between the community and Capital Health. Our volunteers have a wide range of backgrounds and come from all areas of Dartmouth. Our common goal is to promote and advocate key health priorities determined in consultation with our community.

COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANAs your community health board, we work hard to ensure that we understand your health concerns and those of other Dartmouth residents. This spring and fall, the Dartmouth Community Health Board will be hosting Community Engagement/Consultations. This is a fun opportunity for you to tell us what community health issues matter to you. You can also voice your thoughts by taking the Dartmouth Community Health Survey online. Based on the input you provide us, we are required under the Health Authorities Act to develop a Community Health Plan. This plan is then provided to Capital Health for their health services business planning process and recommendations are made for improvements to community-based health services.The Health Plan will also guide our board's priorities and initiatives over the next few years.

Have your say and participate in an upcoming community consultation and/or take the Dartmouth Community Health Survey. For more information, contact the Dartmouth Community Health boardor visit our Web site.

About Us

TAKE THE

STAIRS

HAVE YOUR SAY Visit our Web site at WWW.CDHA.NSHEALTH.CA/COMMUNITYHEALTH/DARTMOUTH/ and take the Dartmouth Community Health Survey.

thCloses JUNE 12

Dartmouth Community Health TeamThe East Dartmouth community has been selected as a site for a Community Health Team (CHT), a new community-based health model focusing on support to individuals and families in building knowledge, confidence and skills to better prevent and manage chronic disease. CHTs will be led by Primary Health Care Capital Health and will work with individuals and groups across the continuum of care, as well as with community partners, throughout development and implementation. Your Dartmouth Community Health Board has been integral in the selection of East Dartmouth for a Community Health Team and will continue to work in close collaboration with Primary Health Care and other partners as your Community Health Team is created.

East Dartmouth citizens will be engaged in the process, identifying needs and influencing the programs, services and supports that make up the CHT. For more information or to get involved, please contact Caroline at 473-1572, caroline.carr@cdha.nshealth.ca

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDThe idea of the Community Development Fund (CDF) is to support local groups that have recognized a community health issue, have come up with an idea to address it, and need a bit of help to get their project off the ground. Twice a year, funds are available to non-profit, community-based groups and organizations in Dartmouth to carry out a wide range of programs and educational events, purchase needed equipment and supplies, and undertake projects to provide a healthier community for the people of Dartmouth. The CDF is not available for provision of direct health services.

In 2008, projects selected for funding by your Community Health Board reflected priority issues that involved all age groups and were local initiatives to benefit the local community. In all, 38 community groups were successful applicants each receiving between $300 and $2,500. The Community Development Fund application process is user friendly. We encourage your application and look forward to hearing your ideas.

East Dartmouth Community CentreNOW OPEN! The East Dartmouth Community Centre (EDCC) is located in the heart of the community at 50 Caledonia Road. It serves as a focal point for community programs and services inclusive to all. The Centre currently houses: the Boys and Girls Club of East Dartmouth, HRM Community Policing Office, Dartmouth Community Health Team, & the East Dartmouth Youth Advocate Office. Meeting rooms, activity spaces, and a Gymnasium are available to the community.

EDCC is a also a leader in HRM for eco-friendliness having obtained Silver status for a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Standard facility. The Centre has several innovative features: a green roof, natural day lighting, storm water reduction, reduces potable water usage and a geo-thermal heating system.

Application deadline for the next COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

MAY 1, 2009

GOODNESS GROWS!The Goodness Grows! Dartmouth Gardening Network is a new community organization bringing together a diverse group of people sharing a passion for gardening and the well-being of the community. The Network aims to be a forum for other community groups to connect with each other and has established three areas of activity reflecting the values of community, health, inclusion, shared learning, and action. These activities are: growing the network membership; the development of a community garden for members to gather, share and learn; and, educational and social events for members to learn with and from each other.

“The Community Development Fund grant that Goodness Grows! received from the Dartmouth Community Health Board was critical to this day.”

For more about Goodness Grows!, to become a network member, and/or to get involved in this exciting new group, contact Mary-Jo Monk, Founder of Goodness Grows! and Lead for Network Development, at 463-9326 or goodnessgrowsdartmouth@gmail.com

LA COURSE CONTRE LA DROGUEEn octobre dernier, le Réseau Santé - Nouvelle-Écosse a eu le plaisir de recevoir une bourse du Conseil de Santé communautaire de Dartmouth. Cette bourse a permis d’organiser ”la course contre la drogue“ pour les élèves de 7ième et 8ième année de l’école du Carrefour. La course contre la drogue est une activité parrainnée par la Gendarmerie Royale du Canada. Ainsi, le 20 octobre 2008, le gymnase de l’école a pris, pour l’occasion, des apparences de Grand Prix automobile!

Durant l’activité, les jeunes ont pu discuter avec différents professionels de sujets comme le tabagisme, l’activité physique, les gangs de rue, la santé mentale, la sécurité internet, les services des incendies et la toxicomanie.

Bien sûr, il ne faut pas oublier les deux pistes de course miniatures sur lesquelles les élèves ont pu tester leurs compétences de pilote de course automobile.

“Nous sommes reconnaissant au Conseil de Santé communautaire

de Dartmouth pour sa contribution au succès de cette activité. Sans leur participation financière, nous n’aurions pas pu organiser ”la course contre la drogue“ et regrouper tous ces intervenants de la sécurité et de la santé en français.”

rd th 3 ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF HOPE, June 6 2009The Festival of Hope is a celebration of all things people don’t think about when they hear “mental illness”. The theme of this year’s Festival is hope, healing and personal empowerment and will highlight supports that have a positive influence on peoples’ recovery. Featured entertainment will include local musicians and talented spoken word artists, family and children’s activities, and a family BBQ. Local artists will display their latest works and encourage others to explore their creative side.

The event will be hosted on Saturday, June 6th at the Ferry Terminal Park in Dartmouth. We expect over 50 community organizations to be present, promoting their services and offering valuable information to the public, promoting many if not all aspects of health and wellness. Through the Festival we want to replace misunderstanding and fear with knowledge and openness.

“We would like to thank the Dartmouth Community Health Board for providing funding to support this event through their Community Development Funds.”

INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EXERCISEThe Tenants at Eastwood Manor enjoy attending exercise classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. Seniors require exercise in order to maintain healthy bodies. The exercise trainer has focused on various exercises that assist in keeping the tenants focusing on every part of the body. Thetenants have stated just how benefical these classes have been.

“...we are very thankful for receiving the funding for these exercise classes. They have been a great opportunity as well as an asset to our tenants.”

WWW.CDHA.NSHEALTH.CA/COMMUNITYHEALTH/DARTMOUTH