The Health Policy and Promotion Committee (HPP) has been hard at work this year to enhance the well-being of New Brunswickers. Through various efforts, the committee has made significant strides in several areas, including environmental advocacy and sustainability, health advocacy and policy development, and community support.
Environmental Advocacy and Sustainability
This year, the HPP Committee took steps to promote environmental sustainability in healthcare and for all New Brunswickers. They began by supporting the goals of an Environmental Bill of Rights, which aims to protect both New Brunswickers and the natural environment.
In addition, the committee recommended that the NBMS actively research ways to make physician offices “greener” and is currently developing a guide with strategies for colleagues and clinic managers to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices within their health-care settings.
At the system level, the HPP Committee advocated to Horizon and Vitalité for the implementation of sustainable practices across hospitals in New Brunswick. These efforts collectively underscore the committee’s dedication to fostering a health system that prioritizes environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Health Advocacy
The HPP Committee also focused on several health advocacy files in the year. The committee asked NBMS staff to conduct a jurisdictional scan on Post-COVID Condition (PCC). Following that review, the committee wrote to the Minister of Health recommending resources be provided to help New Brunswick effectively treat patients suffering from PCC.
NBMS staff collaborated closely with the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities to support initiatives advocating for increased sensitivity training for medical staff and enhancing the availability of trained pain and disability specialists across both Regional Health Authorities.
In a joint effort with NB Lung, the committee sent a letter to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, emphasizing the importance of clean air in educational environments and seeking clarity on the timelines for the full deployment of mechanical ventilation systems in schools across New Brunswick.
Community Support
Addressing pressing community concerns, HPP selected “Safe Housing” as its annual theme for the 2024 District Community Fund (DCF), reflecting the urgent need to combat housing insecurity in New Brunswick. Partnering with local district medical societies, organizations dedicated to providing emergency shelters and transitional housing were identified and each district voted for the organization most deserving of financial support. The funds were awarded to:
- Acadie-Bathurst: 1. L’Accueil Sainte-Famille, Tracadie 2. Bathurst Emergency Shelter, Bathurst
- Capital Region: Women in Transition House, Fredericton
- Carleton-Victoria: Sanctuary House, Woodstock
- King’s County: Sussex Vale Transition House, Sussex
- Madawaska: Escale MadaVic, Edmundston
- Miramichi & District: Miramachi Emergency Centre for Women Inc, Miramichi
- Moncton & District: Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre (The Courage Centre), Shediac
- Restigouche : Maison Notre-Dame House Inc, Campbellton
- Saint John & District: Outflow Men’s Shelter, Saint John
- St. Croix: Fundy Region Transition House, St Stephen
Looking ahead, the committee has chosen “Healthy and Active Seniors” as the theme for the 2025 DCF, reinforcing its commitment to the health and well-being of older adults.
Additionally, the HPP Committee advocated for public funding of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for seniors, stressing the urgent need for accessible prevention as RSV cases rise, particularly during cold and flu season. At a cost of approximately $270, the vaccine remains out of reach for many seniors, creating a financial barrier that has left some unable to receive this important protection. Many seniors have expressed interest in the vaccine but face limitations due to its high cost, leading to preventable hospitalizations and, in severe cases, even death. Ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all seniors, regardless of their financial situation, is essential to safeguarding communities across New Brunswick.
Recognizing the importance of supporting women’s health, staff researched resources to educate the public and provide guidance for family physicians on menopause care. Outreach has been made with the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology as we look to provide up to date guidelines and tools for family physicians to assist patients with this important aspect of their health journey.
As the year concludes, the HPP Committee remains dedicated to improving the health landscape in New Brunswick. With an eye toward 2025, the committee is eager to continue its work and further enhance the health and well-being of all New Brunswickers.
Minha Haque, Health Promotion and Advocacy Specialist
Featured image from a group activity hosted by one of the DCF recipient, Escale MadaVic.
