As part of Well-Being Week 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing the creation of regional well-being networks in Labrador and Western Newfoundland.
Well-being networks, which were recommended in Health Accord NL as regional social and health networks, are being created to improve well-being by working with regional stakeholders to identify challenges and effectively deliver solutions. The first two regions were selected because they have already started some of the work that would be necessary for a well-being network. It is envisioned that these two networks will act as models that will be evaluated, with the hope of expanding them in each region of the province.
Well-being is an overall positive quality of life where an individual’s needs are met across many aspects, including physical, mental, social, economic and environmental. Possible examples include:
- Communities in the region recognize that their residents would benefit from more readily available housing options and work with community sector and private sector businesses to partner on innovative solutions;
- Network members identify food security as an issue in rural and remote communities, and focus on programs and services to improve food access; and
- Local cultural organizations, with network encouragement and support, incorporate more mental health initiatives into their programming.
The networks will integrate regional services that influence the social determinants of health and health outcomes, such as:
- Social programs;
- Social and health systems;
- Arts and cultural programs;
- Community sector, non-profit and volunteer groups; and
- Private sector businesses.
By creating the networks, government will engage more holistically with the many groups and organizations already doing work in this area, and will be enabled to take greater steps towards improving the social determinants of health.
These actions are part of government’s commitment to transform the province’s health by improving the social determinants of health and access to quality health care. Other initiatives include investments in housing, education and Family Care Teams.
Quotes
“We are pleased to establish the first two well-being networks as part of our continuing work to improve health outcomes in Newfoundland and Labrador, based upon the recommendations of Health Accord NL. This proactive approach to addressing the social determinants of health complements our existing initiatives that focus on health care delivery and will lead to greater well-being for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Regional engagement is critical if we are to gain more insight into how we can improve health outcomes in communities throughout the province. By connecting well-being networks to NL Health Services, municipalities, the community sector, and government, we hope that more collaborative and innovative solutions may create improved health and social outcomes in regions.”
Dr. Patrick Parfrey
Deputy Minister, Health Transformation
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