The Town of Hay River has launched a new strategy with the aim of “defining and enhancing what it means to be a healthy community.”
The ten-year healthy community strategy intends to guide health-related initiatives in Hay River from 2024 to 2034, to address challenges in the community and build on its strengths so “all residents can attain their full potential, regardless of socio-demographic factors.”
The strategy sets five goals to:
- Improve communication and collaboration among organizations and governments;
- Ensure residents are healthy and safe;
- Provide safe, diverse, affordable and resilient housing;
- Ensure access to healthy recreation and learning; and
- Strengthen the local economy.
The strategy considers a range of tools to improve community health and wellness including policies, partnerships, research and training, human resources and capacity building, infrastructure, funding, and programs and services. The plan also references the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“Our council, and the Healthy Communities Committee, is committed to providing the leadership needed to execute this strategy, fostering a spirit of collaboration among businesses, government, Indigenous organizations, and community members. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities,” Brian Willows, chairperson of Hay River’s Healthy Communities Committee, said in a statement.
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The town said the strategy “comes in response to the national trend in socioeconomic challenges linked to mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, and the impacts of inflation and labour shortages.”
The document highlights drug and alcohol addiction as “a key challenge” in Hay River where residents face barriers to accessing harm reduction, detox, treatment and aftercare supports. It also points to the town’s housing shortage as a challenge.
The strategy also notes the town’s strengths including a strong culture of volunteerism as well as sports and recreation and economic development opportunities.
“Town council and members of the Healthy Community Committee look forward to working alongside the community over the next decade to strengthen Hay River as a place where everyone can thrive,” a press release states.
