January 2025
This month I had an injection. And it was a complete honour!
No, not THAT type of injection. Rather, a small “dose” or reminder of the power of actively, engaged community members in helping to shape the health of communities across Nova Scotia!
Congratulations to the Community Health Board volunteers across our province on the launch of the “Provincial Synopsis of Zone Community Health Plans 2025 – 2029” at the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Centre in Halifax. I was thrilled to be present to witness this milestone moment.
As I reflect on my experience so many years ago supporting the work of Community Health Boards, I continue to be struck by the tremendous impact these volunteers have as they bring the voice of community to the health planning conversation. And I’m thrilled to be supporting them this year in the design and facilitation of their 2025 Provincial Community Health Board Conference.
The wisdom of Dr. Robert Strang sat firmly with me when he reminded attendees of the importance of “continuing the dialogue around health – not just health CARE”, with the added suggestion that “population health is good economics”.
Immersed in the world of health promotion, population health and community engagement felt like an escape back to my comfort zone. Thank you to Lisa Sally and Geoff Wilson for the invitation.
Learn more about the work of Community Health Boards HERE.
Gerard Murphy
Founder and CEO,
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.