A Message from the Board of Health Chair and the Medical Officer of Health

The year 2000 was eventful for us as a Health Unit.

 The changes that we experienced included enhancements in staff, technological improvements, new programs, and at the end of the year a change in five of the members of the Board of Health. Capacity Building During the year 2000, we worked on building our capacity to fulfill our mandate as a public health unit to protect and promote the health of the citizens of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Since the endorsement of our Health Unit's Long Range Resources Plan by the Board of Health in the May 1999, we have been pursuing filling 18 new positions and intend to complete this over a threeyear period. To date, nine of these positions have been filled. Our capacity to communicate and to organize our work is being enhanced with the development of our internet capability - this includes the launching of our website including, among many other things, our Health Status 2000 report.

Program Delivery

In addition, the Health Unit enjoyed some notable successes with regard to the delivery of our programs. In April we were delighted to have the Language Express (Preschool Speech and Language Program) come on board with us and in late fall we were charged with spearheading the establishment of the Early Years initiative. Our many other program activities and successes are highlighted throughout this annual report. As we complete the staffing enhancements as well as the technological advances in communication, we anticipate further ongoing increases in our programs and their impact on the health of the citizens of Leeds, Grenville & Lanark.
New millennium brings growth and success

Mr. William Widenmaier
Chair, Board of Health
Dr. Charles Gardner
Medical Officer of Health

Our many other program activities and successes are highlighted throughout this annual report.