Community Advisory Committees: Supporting the Primary Health Care Approach
A vital component of the Primary Health Care approach is public participation, which is strongly supported through the development and ongoing collaboration with the Community Advisory Committees (CACs) within each team area.
Community Advisory Committee members are dedicated community volunteers. The purpose of Community Advisory Committees is to provide an opportunity for community representatives to work with Primary Health Care teams to assist in planning, implementing and evaluating initiatives to improve the overall health and well-being of residents in the Western Health region.
Objectives:
In partnership with Western Health:
- To identify opportunities for, and to promote, health and wellness activities and initiatives based on identified community strengths and opportunities.
- To participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of health and wellness activities.
- To promote a population health approach to health and wellness activities in their communities.
- To support Western Health staff in improving health status of their area.
How much time is involved?
Most CACs meet monthly from September to June. Meetings can last for two to three hours and may be held during the day, evening, or weekend. Between meetings, there may be specific tasks that members will have to do. Members may also be asked to represent the CAC on another committee or at an event. Committee members may be offered training sessions that will help with the work of the committee. Travel costs will be reimbursed by Western Health.
What are the benefits of volunteering with a CAC?
- Feeling good about helping to improve the health and well-being of the people in your community.
- A chance to meet others in your neighborhood or nearby communities.
- A chance to learn new things and build on your talents.
How can I join the CAC in my area?
Volunteers are important members of our health care, bringing additional services to our residents/patients and communities. To become a CAC member, contact the Primary Health Care Manager nearest you:
PHC Manager - Bay St. George
Stephenville Crossing Tel: (709) 646-3727
PHC Manager - Deer Lake/White Bay
20 Farm Road, Deer Lake Tel: (709) 635-7856
PHC Manager - Corner Brook/Bay of Islands
347 O'Connell Drive Tel: (709) 632-2973
PHC Manager - Port Aux Basques/Southwest Coast
Tel: (709) 695-4632 or 646-3727
PHC Manager - Bonne Bay/Port Saunders
Bonne Bay Health Centre Tel: (709) 458-2211 ext. 209
You will be asked to submit a completed Western Health volunteer application form, a certificate of conduct from the RCMP (there is no charge for this certificate), and provide two references.