Residents across the Kawarthas region will have an opportunity this spring to help shape the future of public health, as Lakelands Public Health launches a series of community town halls.
Lakelands Public Health, created through the voluntary merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, serves communities across Haliburton County, Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Peterborough, as well as the Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations and urban Indigenous populations.
The community town halls, announced Wednesday (March 25), are designed to create an open forum where residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, and others can discuss the health issues that matter most to them and help inform future public health priorities.
The feedback will help guide health unit planning and future initiatives.
“Public health affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives,” said medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott in a media release. “We want to hear directly from residents about what challenges they’re seeing in their communities and what supports would make the biggest difference.”
Each town hall will begin with an overview of Lakelands Public Health services, followed by interactive discussions with staff. Participants will also be invited to complete a survey to share additional feedback on how to strengthen programs and services.
The town halls will be held on the following dates and locations:
- Haliburton County: Tuesday, April 14 at 4 p.m., Minden Community Centre, 55 Parkside St., Minden
- Northumberland County: Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m., Office Linx, 115 Toronto Rd., Port Hope
- City of Kawartha Lakes: Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m., Days Inn, 134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay
- City and County of Peterborough: Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m., McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Peterborough
Additional sessions will be held in Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation, along with a virtual session for urban Indigenous residents, with more details to be shared directly through those communities.
“These conversations are an important part of ensuring public health services reflect the evolving needs of the people we serve,” Dr. Piggot said. “Community voices are essential in shaping what comes next as we build Lakelands Public Health for generations to come.”
Residents can register for the free town halls through Lakelands Public Health’s Eventbrite page at eventbrite.ca/o/lakelands-public-health-121167587170.
Those unable to attend in person will also be able to provide feedback online through a virtual session.
