Elisabeth Bailey is the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s (NSHA) new co-ordinator for community health boards in Queens and Shelburne counties, and on an interim basis, for Lunenburg County as well.
Bailey started the position in late August.
“What I most love is the focus is on the social determinants of health,” said Bailey in a press release. “That sounds more complicated than it is — really, it just means all the factors that support the quality of life for a community, which lead to better health outcomes. We have the interesting and challenging job of creating and promoting wellness, including access to recreation, safe and affordable housing and forging opportunities for connection and inclusion. These are fundamental things people need to be healthy and to fulfill their potential.”
Community health boards (CHB) consult with communities on relevant issues to create community health plans. These legislatively mandated, volunteer-based health boards play a very important role in forming recommendations to the NSHA. They also help build healthier communities by promoting and supporting action on initiatives that make a difference for the health and wellness of residents.
“Right now, I’m especially focused on supporting the boards in recruiting new members to do this work,” Bailey said. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in community health.”
She’s also busy helping the CHB promote wellness funds. Wellness funds are annual grants available to non-profit community groups and organizations as well as schools and municipalities who have projects that address the social determinants of health. Grants up to $3,000 are available for new and innovative projects or enhancements to existing programs. The current deadline for applications is Oct. 15.
Anyone interested in learning more, applying for wellness funds or applying to join a local community health board, can visit www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca for more details or contact Bailey at 902-350-0478 or [email protected].
