General Information
Community Partnerships are working together in the Northwestern Health Unit's catchment area to accomplish a broad range of goals that reach beyond the capacity of individual member organizations. These goals range from assessing community needs to organizing community events - from information sharing to coordination of services from community education to advocacy for environmental and policy changes.
If the agenda involves community health, a representative of the Northwestern Health Unit will be at the table often assuming a leadership role. Whether these partnerships call themselves advisory committees, coalitions, alliances, networks, task forces or working groups, partnerships in every community are making a difference in Northwestern Ontario.
In partnership, the future is not what it used to be.
ATIKOKAN
Atikokan Interagency Committee
The Atikokan Interagency Committee is a monthly lunch meeting with speakers and opportunities to learn about the work of other agencies and changes within other organizations. The Interagency updates a community inventory of all agencies that includes staff, addresses, phone numbers and other contact information.
Membership: Open to all agencies.
Atikokan Next Generation Committee
The Atikokan Next Generation Committee is a Child Health Community Coalition that meets monthly. The coalition puts out a newsletter twice a year promoting events for parents that are happening in the community. The group supports local, regional and national campaigns that benefit children including Breastfeeding Week, Safe Kids Week, and Car Safety Clinics.
Membership: Consists of representation from: Northwestern Health Unit, Atikokan Crisis Centre, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, 2-3-4 Playgroup, Sundog Parenting Resource/Early Year Centre, Family and Childrens Services, Rainbow Daycare and the general public.
Childrens Service Fair Committee
The Childrens Service Fair Committee is a new group that is forming to oversee the planning of the annual Childrens Service Fair, which started in 2004.
Membership: Consists of representatives from: Northwestern Health Unit, Sun Dog Family Parent Resource Centre (Lead), 2-3-4 Playgroup, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, and North Star School.
Safe and Healthy Lifestyle Committee
The Safe and Healthy Lifestyle Committee supports Drug Awareness Week and other local initiatives that benefit Atikokan. The committee meets monthly during the lunch hour for a lunch meeting.
Membership (which is variable) consists of representation from: Northwestern Health Unit, FOCUS Program, Atikokan High School, Community Counseling, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan Legal Clinic, Ontario Provincial Police, Atikokan Crisis Centre, Atikokan Parks and Recreation Department, Atikokan Township Police Service, Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives, North Star Community School, St.Patricks Separate School, and Atikokan Public Library.
DRYDEN
Dryden Area Safe Communities Partnership The Dryden Area Safe Communities Partnership works with the community partners to reduce injuries in four key areas: 1) children and youth, 2) workplace, 3) transportation, and 4) seniors. The committee promotes and enhances existing local programs and encourages and supports development of new safety programs and initiatives.
Membership consists of representatives from: Dryden Police Service, OPP, Dryden Fire Services, Canadian Red Cross, Northwestern Health Unit, City of Dryden, Municipality of Machin, Patricia Region Car Seat Safety Committee, Weyerhaeuser, Ministry of Labour, CKDR, Patricia Area Community Endeavours (PACE), and Skillen-Squire Insurance.
Dryden Diabetes Centre Advisory Committee
The Dryden Diabetes Centre Advisory Committee guides and reviews the work and operation of the DDC to ensure the center is meeting the needs of both the community and individuals with diabetes.
Partners include community members, a physician and pharmacist and representatives from Dryden Regional Health Centre, Community Care Access Centre, Northwestern Health Unit, Paawidigong First Nations, Metis Nation of Ontario, Medical Clinic, Dryden Family Health Team, Princess Court, Weyerhaeuser, Healing Trail, and Dryden High School.
Dryden & District AIDS Committee
The Dryden and District AIDS Committee www.freewebs.com/drydenaids is a non profit organization dedicated to promoting wellness and a healthy community response to individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through prevention, education and support. The Committee is comprised of volunteers.
Dryden Regional Health Centre Obstetrical Committee
Kathy Bryck represents NWHU, which includes 3 meetings per year to review and discuss issues related to maternal care.
Memberships include: Community Care Access Centre, Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children and Palliative Care.
Re-processing, Product Evaluation and Infection Control Committee The Re-Processing, Product Evaluation and Infection Control Committee advises and makes recommendations regarding infection prevention and control standards, policies and procedures at the Dryden Regional Health Centre including reprocessing and purchasing of patient care equipment according to current recommended standards.
Membership includes: Health and Safety Coordinator, AED Patient Care, Manager OR/ER, Materials Management Manager and other staff representatives from the Dryden Regional Health Centre, as well as a Northwestern Health Unit Public Health Inspector and Public Health Nurse.
EAR FALLS
Accessibility Working Group of the Township of Ear Falls The Accessibility Working Group of the Township of Ear Falls is committed to the continual improvement of access to municipal facilities and physical premises through identification, removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities.
Members include representatives from the Township of Ear Falls (Clerk Treasurer, Town Councilor and Fire Chief) and Community Counselling and Addictions as well as a Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nurse, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Ear Falls Healthy Living Coalition The mission of the Ear Falls Healthy Living Coalition is to encourage healthy behaviours and lifestyles by promoting conditions in which people can achieve an optimal level of health.
Membership consists of representatives from: Ear Falls Community Health Centre, Ear Falls Public School, local Faith Community, and Ear Falls Chapel Youth Group, Township of Ear Falls Recreation, Ear Falls Community Policing Committee, Ear Falls Seniors and local community members.
Ear Falls Seniors Initiative The Ear Falls Seniors Initiative is a group committed to health, wellness, and advocacy for seniors in the community of Ear Falls.
EMO Emo-LaVallee Healthy Communities Coalition
The Emo-LaVallee Healthy Communities Coalition is comprised of community members interested in providing opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle within their communities. Participation includes representation from local law enforcement, schools, businesses and community members.
Participation includes representation from local municipalities, church groups, recreation council, Emo Ontario Early Years Centre, businesses, and community members.
FORT FRANCES
Acute Care Team at Riverside Health Care Facilities
Miranda Sigurdson represents NWHU. The team reviews the accreditation summary from 2003 and prepares for future accreditations including addressing recommendations noted in the summary.
Memberships include: Riverside Health Care Facilities including management, registered nurses, dietitian, physicians, utilization coordinator, physiotherapist, pastoral care, Fort Frances Tribal Health Authorities, Northwestern Health Unit and Community Representative.
Coming Together for Kids Coalition
The Fort Frances and area Coming Together for Kids Coalition aims to provide support to families in the community to attain optimal health.
Meetings are held every 2 months, and are open to anyone interested in attending. For more information or meeting dates contact Miranda Sigurdson in Fort Frances @ 274-9827.
Memberships include: Fort Frances Clinic, United Native Friendship Centre, Sunset Country Metis, Northwestern Health Unit, Toy Lending Library, First Nations Inuit Health Branch, Country View Child Care, Riverside Health Care Facilities, Rainy River Toy Library, Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Authority, Family & Childrens Services, Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, Emo Toy Library, Fort Frances Library and Integrated Services Northwest.
Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team
The Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team is a group of community partners working together to prevent problems, including injuries and chronic diseases, associated with alcohol and other drug use.
Membership consists of representation from: Law enforcement (OPP, Treaty 3 Police, CN Police), Health Services (Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, Fort Frances Ambulance Services, Northwestern Health Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Aboriginal Organizations (Sunset Country Metis, United Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre), Religious Groups (New Beginnings Fellowship Church), Education/Youth (Fort Frances High School OSAID group), and Fort Frances Fire Department.
Safe Communities Rainy River District
The Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition has a mandate to develop effective injury prevention and safety programs on an individual and community-based level within the Rainy River District.
Membership is comprised of representatives from local law enforcement and emergency response units, local industry/employers, as well as health professionals who work with the community.
IGNACE
Ignace Interagency Committee
The Ignace Interagency Committee meets monthly during lunch hour. This committee provides the opportunity for various organizations to learn about the work of other agencies and changes within other organizations. The Interagency updates a community inventory of all agencies that includes staff, addresses, phone numbers and other contact information.
Membership: Open to all agencies.
KENORA
Kenora Family Connection: Members meet monthly to identify and address the needs of prenatal and parenting families in our communities. The coalition also serves as the advisory board for the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program.
The coalition meets monthly. Everyone is welcome. For information please contact Healthy Babies, Healthy Children at 468-4948.
Memberships included: Parents, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), Infant Development Centre (IDP), Kenora Area Health Access Centre, Kenora Midwives, NeChee Friendship Centre, Parents Attending Secondary School (PASS), Addictions Services Kenora (ASK), Child Development Centre, First Nations and Inuit Health, Kenora Anishinaabe-Kweg Brighter Futures, Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) and Northwestern Health Unit.
Kenora Police Service Community Advisory Committee The Kenora Police Service Community Advisory Committee is a forum for the police service to learn more about the community they serve. When an issue of concern comes forward, the group works toward a solution. The police service welcomes ideas from this committee, which will help it be a more effective organization within the city.
The committee includes representatives from the business sector, schools, probation, seniors organizations, people with disabilities, OPP and Kenora Police.
Safe Communities Kenora
The Safe Communities Foundation is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to making Canada the safest country in the world in which to live, learn, work, and play.
The mission of the Kenora Safe Communities Coalition is to make the city of Kenora the safest place to live, learn, work and play in the world, by creating a culture instilled with safety, education and commitment to injury prevention and health. If it's predictable, it's preventable.
The group consists of community leaders from a variety of businesses, government and social agencies who have come together in support of this goal. Partners include representatives from the Northwestern Health Unit, as well as: The Ontario Provincial Police, the Seniors Coalition, the City of Kenora, the Canadian Pacific Railway, WSIB, Young Driver's, District Mental Health Services for Older Adults, Kenora Area Road Safety Coalition, Treaty Three Police and the Ministry of Transportation.
The Kenora Safe Communities Coalition is involved in various activities including TAPP-C (Arson Prevention Program for Children), Alarmed for Life, Safe Grad Night, Risk Watch, HEROES, the Kenora Seniors Coalition, the Kenora Area Road Safety Coalition and the Safe Communities Incentive Program (SCIP).
Risk Watch Committee
The Risk Watch Committee in Kenora oversees the promotion of an injury prevention program to teach children in preschool to grade 8 to make wise decisions regarding risks. Risk Watch is a well-developed program that includes a curriculum currently available in every school for implementation by teachers in the classroom.
The committee includes representatives from schools, fire and police departments and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Community Emergency Response Commmittees
The Northwestern Health Unit is a key member of all Community Emergency Response Committees for the areas including Kenora, Dryden, Ear Falls, Emo, Fort Frances, Ignace, Atikokan, Minaki, Pickle Lake, Rainy River, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Sioux Narrows. Each committee brings together community partners from local health care agencies and the municipality as well as the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Community Emergency Response Plans so that communities are prepared for emergencies.
The Medical Officer of Health is responsible for the coordination of the Health Units role in all Community Emergency Response Plans. Community Emergency Response Plans are available in each of the Northwestern Health Unit offices.
Kenora Integrated Pest Management Committee (KIPMC)
The KIPMC ensures that pesticide use within the municipality of Kenora does not adversely affect human health and/or the environment. Their focus is broader than just lawn care, taking in a broad range of insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and fungicides.
Memberships include: Representatives from the City of Kenora, the Ministry of the Environment, commercial pesticide applicators, and Northwestern Health Unit.
PICKLE LAKE
Community Policing Coalition
The purpose of the Community Policing Coalition is to allow the members of the community to voice concerns and questions about the safety of Pickle Lake and to address social issues that relate to policing. This committee also promotes injury and substance awareness.
Membership includes: Community members and representatives from social service agencies, Northwestern Health Unit, Pickle Lake OPP, and Township of Pickle Lake.
Health Care Committee
The mandate of the Health Care Committee is to discuss health care concerns in Pickle Lake.
Membership includes: Representation from: Northwestern Health Unit, Township of Pickle Lake as well as the nurses of the Pickle Lake Health Clinic and community residents.
Recreation Committee The mandate of the Recreation Committee in Pickle Lake is to provide activities for children of the community and to encourage physical activities for all ages.
Agencies represented include the Northwestern Health Unit, Township of Pickle Lake, OPP Pickle Lake, as well as residents of the Township.
RAINY RIVER
The Healthy Communities Coalition of Rainy River and Surrounding Area
The Healthy Communities Coalition of Rainy River and surrounding area encourages all community residents to adopt and maintain healthy, active and safe lifestyle practices within a supportive environment.
Membership consists of representatives from: Rainy River High School, Riverview School, Rainy River Town Council, OPP, Rainy River Best Start Hub/Rainy River Playschool Inc., Our Lady of the Way School Council, Pinewood Recreation Board, Barwick Recreation Board, Rainy River Recreation Board, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, Northwestern Health Unit, Rainy River Health Centre, Big Grassy First Nation, and Big Island First Nation.
Rainy River District Breast Health Network
The Rainy River Breast Health Network comprises of breast cancer survivors, members of the Canadian Cancer Society, mammographers, breast health clinic nurses, a public health nurse, Riverside Health Care Foundation Director (Chair), past nursing director and Auxiliary members.
The mission of the coalition is to build a supportive enriornment for healthy living and to create, provide and communicate opportunities for our residents to engage in a safe, healthy and active lifestyle.
Town representatives and community members.
SIOUX LOOKOUT
Child and Family Health Network
The Child and Family Health Network meet every two months. Everyone is Welcome. For more information contact Amanda Landgraff at 737-2292.
Memberships include: Aboriginal Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program, Akwe:go Program, Assault Care & Treatment Program, Best Start Hub, First Step Womens Shelter, Healthy Generations Family Support Program, Friendship Centre Family Support Program, Northwestern Health Unit, Sioux Mountain Public School, Sunset Womens Aboriginal Circle, Hugh Allen Clinic, Waninawakang Aboriginal Head Start, Integrated Services Northwest and Patricia Centre for Children & Youth.
Enhancement Committee
The purpose of the Enhancement Committee is the beautification/enhancement of Sioux Lookout.
Membership consists: of representatives from: OPP, Municipality, Town Council, and Tourism.
Meno-Ya-Win Maternal Child Committee Tekla Rundle represents the NWHU on this committee, which consist of bi-monthly meetings to review and update policies for the maternity/labour & delivery ward and discuss any issues and concerns related to the maternity ward.
Memberships include: Physicians, Maternity Nurse Manager, Maternity Ward Registered Nurse, Dietician, Community Member (mother) and Northwestern Health Unit.
Northern Health Determinants: Health Protection Subgroup
The Northern Health Determinants: Health Protection Subgroup serves as a forum in Sioux Lookout to discuss current trends and technologies in Health Protection; to share expertise and resources; and to investigate systems of disease monitoring, epidemiological surveillance and control. The group strikes relationships with fellow practitioners and links with other relevant groups.
Membership consists: of representatives from: NWHU (MOH, Director of Health Protection, TB Control), First Nations Inuit Health Branch (Public Health Liaison Nurse, Program Medical Officer, Zone Nursing Officer, Environmental Health Officer, Epidemiologist, Population Health Unit Director), Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (TB Control Nurse, Health Services Director), Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre (Infection Control, Labs, Chief of Staff) the three physicians groups (Hugh Allen Clinic, IFNA Northern Practice , MacMaster Northern Practice), Windigo First Nations Council (Health Director), Independent First Nations Alliance (Health Director), Shibogama Health Authority (Health Director).
Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre Infection Control Committee
The purpose of the Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre Infection Control Committee is to provide input into the hospital infection control program; to monitor nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistant organisms; and to have input into infection control policy and procedures.
Membership includes: NWHU (Public Health Inspector, Public Health Nurse), Infection Control Practitioner, Population Health Infection Control Manager, Chief of Staff, Lab Rep, Nursing Managers, Dept Managers (kitchen, laundry, operations).
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FASD Northwest
FASD Northwest is committed to working together to improve the prevention and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.
Members include: Citizens and representatives from these service providers in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts: Addictions Services Kenora, Anishinaabeg of Kabapitokawangag Resource Council, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, CORE/FOCUS Group of Ignace, Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Family and Childrens Services of the Rainy River District, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, Healthy Generations Family Support Program, Wassay-Gezhig Na-Nahn-Dah-We-Igamig (Kenora Area Health Access Centre), Kenora Association for Community Living, Northwestern Health Unit, Ontario Early Years, and Red Lake/Ear Falls FOCUS.
New Generation Network
The Dryden and Area New Generation Network meet to identify and address needs of families in the community. Meetings are held every 1-2 months and are open to anyone interested in attending in the Dryden, Vermilion Bay & Ignace area.
The coalition reflects interests from preconception through to sexual health, prenatal, infant development and parenting issues. If you have an idea for a new service or way of improving a service we want to hear from YOU !
For information contact: Kathy at 223-3301.
Memberships include: Dryden Ontario Early Years Centre, Dryden Regional Health Centre, Vermilion Bay Ontario Early Tears Centre, Mary Berland Health Centre, Patricia Centre for Children & Youth, Ignace Ontario Early Years Centre, Parents and Ontario Works.
Highway Safety Education Committee (HSEC)
The Highway Safety Education Committee (HSEC), through partnerships, identifies road user safety issues, and develops and implements strategies to reduce the number of collisions, injuries and deaths on the highways of Northwestern Ontario.
Membership consists: of representatives from: OPP, Ministry of Transportation, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Northwestern Health Unit, Regional Coroners Office of Ontario, Bowater Forest Products, McKevitt Trucking, Trimac Transportation, and Philpot and Delgaty Insurance.
Northern Injury Prevention Practitioners Network (NIPPN)
The Northern Injury Prevention Practitioners Network (NIPPN) provides networking and professional development opportunities in Northern Ontario to build community capacity, identify issues and confirm regional priorities regarding intentional and unintentional injuries with emphasis on pre-event activities.
Community Emergency Response Commmittees
The Northwestern Health Unit is a key member of all Community Emergency Response Committees for the areas including Kenora, Dryden, Ear Falls, Emo, Fort Frances, Ignace, Atikokan, Minaki, Pickle Lake, Rainy River, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Sioux Narrows. Each committee brings together community partners from local health care agencies and the municipality as well as the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Community Emergency Response Plans so that communities are prepared for emergencies.
The Medical Officer of Health is responsible for the coordination of the Health Units role in all Community Emergency Response Plans. Community Emergency Response Plans are available in each of the Northwestern Health Unit offices.
Membership consists: of representatives from: Northeast and Northwest Health Units (8), Northeast and Northwest Ministry of Transportation, Police, Office of the Fire Marshall, Safe Communities Coordinators (North), Lead Hospital Trauma Coordinators (Sudbury and Thunder Bay), MOHLTC (Public Health Division), SMARTRISK, and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Ontario Core Competencies Working Group: Infection Prevention and Control The Northwestern Health Unit was represented on the Ontario Core Competencies Working Group: Infection Prevention and Control. This group linked with CHICA, OMA, RNAO, OPHA, AlPHa and OHA to 1) identify gaps and skill sets needed to deliver services at the local public health level, and 2) to develop common core competencies for public health professionals for the management of infection prevention and control strategies in Ontario.
Northwestern Ontario Regional Infection Control Committee (RICC)
Regional Infection Control Committees are part of the network of local, regional and national committees which are developing a coordinated approach to prevention, surveillance and control of infectious diseases throughout geographic regions and across health care spectrums.
The Northwestern Ontario RICC improves communications and facilitates integration of infection prevention and control activities in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts. District partners include infection control practitioners from hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Northwestern Ontario Regional Infection Control Network (RICN)
Regional Infection Control Networks are part of the network of local, regional and national committees which are developing a coordinated approach to prevention, surveillance and control of infectious diseases throughout geographic regions and across health care spectrums.
The Northwestern Ontario RICN reports to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. It includes representation from a region that covers the Kenora, Rainy River and Thunder Bay Districts. The Northwestern Health Unit is a key partner in the Northwestern Ontario RICN. Other regional partners on the Northwestern Ontario RICN include, but are not limited to, representatives from acute and long-term care facilities, medical laboratories, pediatrics, family medicine, nursing, occupational health and safety, allied health, physicians and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.