New South East Health Unit Officially Formed January 1st

The newly merged board of health met for the first time on Wednesday!

Brockville – On Wednesday, January 1st, the South East Health Unit Board of Health met for the first time, officially launching the merged public health agency made up of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

The newly formed Board passed the necessary bylaws for the South East Health Unit to function and elected Jan O’Neill, Hastings County Mayor, as Board Chair; and Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac Councillor, as Vice Chair.

“It’s truly an exciting time for our three legacy agencies,” said Jan O’Neill, Board Chair for the South East Health Unit. “Speaking for the Board, we’re committed to working together to find new and innovative ways to best serve our various communities.”

The South East Health Unit Board consists of four municipal representatives from each legacy agency, and as of January 1, six provincial representatives:

• Councillor Conny Glenn, City of Kingston
• Councillor Jeff McLaren, City of Kingston
• Councillor Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac
• Warden Nathan Townend, County of Lennox & Addington
• Reeve Richard Kidd, Lanark County
• Mayor Robin Jones, County of Leeds and Grenville
• Councillor Peter McKenna, Town of Smiths Falls*
• Councillor Anne-Marie Koiner, Town of Gananoque*
• Councillor Sean Kelly, City of Belleville
• Councillor Bill Roberts, Prince Edward County
• Mayor Jan O’Neill, Hastings County
• Councillor Michael Kotsovos, City of Quinte West
• Barbara Proctor, Provincial Representative
• Melanie Paradis, Provincial Representative
• Dr. Jeffrey Allin, Provincial Representative
• Chris Seeley, Provincial Representative
• Dr. David Pattenden, Provincial Representative
• Stephen Bird, Provincial Representative

*Note that there are four municipalities (City of Brockville, Town of Smiths Falls, Town of Gananoque and Town of Prescott) who jointly appoint two Board members who represent all four municipalities.

The responsibilities of the South East Health Unit remain the same as those of the legacy agencies: to provide public health-based programs that help prevent illness and injury, promote health and wellness, and protect residents from environmental health hazards.

“The merger has given us a unique opportunity to transform how we deliver public health services in our combined communities. It’s truly an exciting time for public health in the Southeast region,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the South East Health Unit.

Efforts are underway to develop new branding for the South East Health Unit, which is expected to take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material from the former health agencies. You will also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit. The South East Health Unit appreciates your patience as we transition to our new brand.

Office addresses, phone numbers, websites and social media accounts have not changed at this time. We ask that the public continue to interact with their local public health office as they usually would until otherwise directed. Please check the following websites for more information:

Residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties: www.hpePublicHealth.ca
Call 1-800-267-2803

Residents of the City of Kingston and Counties of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington: www.kflaph.ca
Call 1-800-267-7875

Residents of the Counties of Lanark and Leeds & Grenville: www.healthunit.org
Call 1-800-660-5853