Public health officials seek community feedback

The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit is developing a Healthy Community Action Plan and wants area residents’ opinions.
“By acting together we can make our community a healthier place to live, work and play,” says Jackie Whittingham, a program manager with the Health Unit. “We’re asking people for their thoughts through a short survey.”
The survey findings will be used to help create the action plan that will go to the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport. The ministry will consider the action plan in future decisions on what activities they will support in six priority areas. They are: physical activity; sport and recreation; injury prevention; healthy eating; tobacco use and exposure; substance and alcohol misuse; and mental health promotion.
Anyone who wants to have their opinion heard can complete a confidential and anonymous survey at any Health Unit office.
The survey is for residents of Hastings and Prince Edward counties who are 18 years or older. It will be available until Wednesday December 15.
“As a ‘thank you’, we’re doing a prize draw,” says Whittingham. “Everyone who completes the survey will be eligible to win one of five grocery store gift cards for the value of a turkey dinner for a family of four.”