A lot of work has been taking place to move forward on the priorities of the Community Health Needs Assessment, covering Hillsborough to Alma. Below, you will find the 10 priorities with an update of what is happening under each. Many of the initiatives listed below are supported by the Bennett and Albert County Health Care (BACH) Foundation.
1. The need to improve mental resiliency and coping skills among children and youth in the community.
The schools in Riverside-Albert and Hillsborough have implemented Integrated Service Delivery, an approach that involves close collaboration among team members and the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development, Social Development, Health, Public Safety, school districts and regional health authorities. The program is designed to support children and youth with emotional, behavioural and mental health issues.
2. The need for Albert County Health and Wellness Centre outreach services in the community of Hillsborough.
The Hillsborough Satellite Office (the “Old Church,” 2807 Main Street) currently offers Lab and Specimen drop-off services every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30am. The Nurse Practitioner now offers primary health care services to patients residing in the greater Hillsborough area (call 882-3100 for details). The Health Centre is exploring options for extended hours at the Hillsborough Satellite Office.
3. The need for improved access to mental health services.
The Albert County Health and Wellness Centre will hire a part-time Social Worker to improve support to the community, including one-on-one support.
4. An insufficient amount of safe, affordable housing options in the community.
A sub-committee has been meeting regularly since June 2017 and is currently preparing to conduct a full housing needs assessment for our area. This will help identify the specific needs that exist, project what will be needed in the future, and support housing/apartment development in the area. The assessment will be conducted in early 2018 once funding can be secured. More details will be released as they are available.
5. The need for improved supports in the community for young families that are struggling and experiencing difficulties.
No specific updates at this time.
6. The need for improved collaboration between the municipalities in the area, and between municipalities and health and wellness professionals in the community.
Leadership from each municipality has met with Health Centre staff and have established a closer working relationship. They are currently working together and collaborating with other working groups.
7. Food insecurity in the community.
Foods of the Fundy Valley, through its Community Food Smart program and farmers’ market, and the Shepody Food Bank are continuing their work to improve food security in our area. The Moncton area Public Health Office has voiced interest in supporting what is happening and will work with the groups in its capacity.
8. The need for additional programs and services in the community to allow seniors to become more engaged, connected and mobile.
No specific updates at this time (however, see number 10 below).
9. The need to evaluate the current function of the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre and strategize on how to move forward with the original vision of the community health centre (CHC) model of care.
Changes have started with the Health Centre’s hours of operation in Riverside-Albert. The hours are now Monday to Thursday from 7am to 4:30pm and Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. This change has presented the option for providing evening access and offering more community programs. For details, call 882-3100.
10. Transportation issues in the community that impact health.
Tele-Drive is in its 5th year of operation (see description on page 12). It is organizing social outings, such as a tour of the “fall colours.” Free rides to the grocery store in Hillsborough are available every Monday to anyone who wishes to participate; you do not need to have used Tele-Drive services before. Tele-Drive is pleased to be providing mobility rides with the partnership of Forest Dale Home and their mobility van. For more information or to book a ride, call Kim Beers at 875-1190.
The schools in Riverside-Albert and Hillsborough have implemented Integrated Service Delivery, an approach that involves close collaboration among team members and the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development, Social Development, Health, Public Safety, school districts and regional health authorities. The program is designed to support children and youth with emotional, behavioural and mental health issues.
2. The need for Albert County Health and Wellness Centre outreach services in the community of Hillsborough.
The Hillsborough Satellite Office (the “Old Church,” 2807 Main Street) currently offers Lab and Specimen drop-off services every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30am. The Nurse Practitioner now offers primary health care services to patients residing in the greater Hillsborough area (call 882-3100 for details). The Health Centre is exploring options for extended hours at the Hillsborough Satellite Office.
3. The need for improved access to mental health services.
The Albert County Health and Wellness Centre will hire a part-time Social Worker to improve support to the community, including one-on-one support.
- Wellness Support Group – The group, which is facilitated by Cynthia Stevens, RN, and Kirstin Shortt, meets once a month and is open to new people. Contact Cynthia at 866-6247 for details.
- Grief Recovery Program – The 7-week program is a partnership between Hospice Greater Moncton and the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre. One group meets Monday evenings in Hillsborough and the other meets Wednesday evenings in Riverside-Albert. Each group is open to new people. The program will be repeated in the spring of 2018. For more information, contact Debbie Landry-Jaillet, Hospice Community Coordinator at 383-2404 or [email protected].
- Living Life to the Full – The 8-week program was a partnership between the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association. The 2017 program was well attended with 13 people receiving a certificate of completion. Another program on anxiety and depression will be offered in the spring of 2018. For more information, contact Denise Miller at [email protected].
4. An insufficient amount of safe, affordable housing options in the community.
A sub-committee has been meeting regularly since June 2017 and is currently preparing to conduct a full housing needs assessment for our area. This will help identify the specific needs that exist, project what will be needed in the future, and support housing/apartment development in the area. The assessment will be conducted in early 2018 once funding can be secured. More details will be released as they are available.
5. The need for improved supports in the community for young families that are struggling and experiencing difficulties.
No specific updates at this time.
6. The need for improved collaboration between the municipalities in the area, and between municipalities and health and wellness professionals in the community.
Leadership from each municipality has met with Health Centre staff and have established a closer working relationship. They are currently working together and collaborating with other working groups.
7. Food insecurity in the community.
Foods of the Fundy Valley, through its Community Food Smart program and farmers’ market, and the Shepody Food Bank are continuing their work to improve food security in our area. The Moncton area Public Health Office has voiced interest in supporting what is happening and will work with the groups in its capacity.
8. The need for additional programs and services in the community to allow seniors to become more engaged, connected and mobile.
No specific updates at this time (however, see number 10 below).
9. The need to evaluate the current function of the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre and strategize on how to move forward with the original vision of the community health centre (CHC) model of care.
Changes have started with the Health Centre’s hours of operation in Riverside-Albert. The hours are now Monday to Thursday from 7am to 4:30pm and Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. This change has presented the option for providing evening access and offering more community programs. For details, call 882-3100.
10. Transportation issues in the community that impact health.
Tele-Drive is in its 5th year of operation (see description on page 12). It is organizing social outings, such as a tour of the “fall colours.” Free rides to the grocery store in Hillsborough are available every Monday to anyone who wishes to participate; you do not need to have used Tele-Drive services before. Tele-Drive is pleased to be providing mobility rides with the partnership of Forest Dale Home and their mobility van. For more information or to book a ride, call Kim Beers at 875-1190.
This article was provided by the Community Advisory Committee for the Albert County Area Community Health Needs Assessment. The committee is made up of people from our communities, health care, local government and education.
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