The Webbwood Public Library is being recognized for its health services, not just its books.
For their work to bring more services to Webbwood, two institutions have been named North East LHIN Healthy Change Champions says LHINS CEO, Jeremy Stevenson.
He says the Espanola and Area Family Health Team and Public Health Sudbury & Districts took the lead in providing various services such as the From Soup to Tomatoes program, it includes a certified kitchen for healthy cooking and an Ontario Telemedicine Network is also in place.
He adds the North East LHIN applauds the work of the two outstanding health service providers whose leadership is helping to meet the needs of people closer to home.
Together, the two institutions have implemented several programs including the From Soup to Tomatoes arm chair-based exercise program, the snowshoe and urban pole lending program, health promotion programming, and group programming.
The kitchen has been certified, and provides a space for the community to cook together and learn more about healthy eating.
In addition, an Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) connection was established in the library’s community room, allowing health care providers to offer OTN appointments, including specialist appointments, to residents of Webbwood, eliminating the need for them to travel to a health care facility in another community.
“Together we are able to increase opportunities so that all residents in the Espanola and surrounding area can have control over their health, while knowing that more accessible and client-centred health care is available when needed,” said Aimee Belanger, Public Health Nurse, Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
Many other organizations also offer services to residents in Webbwood. Both plan to continue to strengthen partnerships and encourage more providers to explore similar models to service delivery.
“It is our goal to develop or modify programming to meet the needs of the residents of Webbwood,” said Brunetti. “By working together with the North East LHIN and other partners, we can create a service delivery model that enhances access for individuals in the community.” “Public Health recognizes the strengths in working together with community partners to address health inequities in our communities,” said Belanger. “Partnering with the Webbwood Public Library is a prime example of how unique partnerships can be used to improve the health and well-being of a whole community.”
