As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to improve and redefine the well-being of all residents, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced the launch of the first “Well-Being Week” in the province from September 17 to 23, 2023.
Today’s announcement builds on many ongoing initiatives to support a person’s physical, mental, financial and economic health and overall well-being, the social determinants of health. Investments in recent years have focused on helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the increased cost of living, economic security, affordable housing and child care, active and healthy living, education and the health care system.
This is the latest step towards achieving the goal of becoming one of Canada’s healthiest provinces by 2031. Well-being will be a key consideration in policy and spending decisions and programs, with a heightened focus on determinants such as access to housing, food, water, justice, money and education, as well as our experience of equity, social connection and safety.
Health Accord NL identified these determinants as having a far greater impact on well-being than the health care system, and that by addressing these areas government and residents can significantly improve health outcomes for the people of the province.
Premier Furey made the announcement today with Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director of Choices for Youth, Darla King, Vice President of Transformation – Well-Being with NL Health Services, and Amy Coady, President of Municipalities NL.
Well-Being Week will be a time to bring awareness to the influence of the social factors on health outcomes and quality of life. Participants will learn, engage, support and take action around the many factors that impact our health and quality of life. There will be events held throughout the province that will help build momentum around the goal of becoming one of Canada’s healthiest provinces.
Achieving this goal will require governments, communities, groups, businesses and organizations to incorporate a well-being approach in their policies, and for individuals to discover how well-being applies to them.
To learn more about the Provincial Government’s commitment to well-being and a list of events for Well-Being Week, visit www.wellbeingnl.ca.
Quotes
“Well-being is an essential aspect of the overall health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and we are focusing on creating a shift in how we can collectively make life better in our province. As a government, it means prioritizing spending and policy decisions that support the well-being of everyone in this province, while also empowering you to continue taking meaningful steps to better your well-being. We must start today to improve tomorrow.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Through integrated social and clinical services, Choices for Youth is committed to breaking down the many barriers that vulnerable youth in our province face. As we work together to achieve the goal of a healthier Newfoundland and Labrador, we must prioritize the social determinants of health in all the services and supports that we offer. Addressing holistic well-being requires affordable and supportive housing options, a strong mental health and addictions support continuum, and an investment in food security, education, employment, and harm reduction. We are pleased to see the province signal commitments to improve well-being while working towards health equity for all.”
Sheldon Pollett
Executive Director of Choices for Youth
“As a new single provincial entity, NL Health Services has a wonderful opportunity to draw on the initiatives and approaches that have been implemented in our five legacy organizations to support well-being, and to use our new provincial public health program to lead this work. We are excited to move forward with meaningful strategies, and work with partners across different sectors, as well as with communities and governments to advance this important work for the benefit of people across the province.”
Darla King
Vice President of Transformation – Well-Being, NL Health Services
“Municipalities in our province play an active role in all aspects of the well-being of residents through the programs and services that they provide. Municipal leaders care about their communities and the people living in them. We are pleased to be at the table for this important announcement and to be part of the shift to prioritize well-being. Through a collective approach and with the right resources and support, together we can make the changes that we all want to see.”
Amy Coady
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
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