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NLIS 4 May 21, 2003 (Executive Council) Regional profile looks at well-being A document that profiles the well-being of citizens on the east coast of the province was released today in Marystown. The Report of the Eastern SSP region: Social and Economic Development in our Community, looks at how residents are faring in a number of areas, including health, education, population, community supports and self-reliance. The report also outlines a three-year work plan for the Eastern Region Steering Committee of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP). "I congratulate the committee for looking at the social and economic landscape in their region. This report is certainly a good follow up to what we�ve done at a provincial level, with the release From the Ground Up," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "The report on the Eastern SSP region will add to our understanding of health and well-being of the residents in the area." Key findings show student performance on standardized tests are at a provincial rate or higher, and increased numbers of high school graduates are furthering their studies through post-secondary education. As well, people reported higher median family incomes, rising to $26,700 in 1999 from $23,900 in 1992. The report stresses the need to link health and education in order to increase the level of individual physical activity, reduce smoking among young people and improve nutrition in schools. It also identifies a need to retain and recruit more volunteers in communities, and a need to address low literacy rates among the general population. The Eastern Region Steering Committee used information from Community Accounts, the Web-based information system that monitors well-being in communities, regions and the province as the primary data source for the document. Anyone can access this system at Other information sources included regional agencies, institutions and government departments. "We really wanted to take a good look at our social and economic landscape. An evidence-based approach to decision-making is an important theme in the SSP," said Fay Matthews, chair of the Eastern Region Steering Committee of the Strategic Social Plan. "We need quality baseline data to document how we are doing over time, so that we are able to measure our progress and identify priority needs of the region. This information will help as we move forward in our work together as a network of partners committed to making a difference for people in our region." Information in the report is divided into three sections, a brief history of the Eastern SSP Region in terms of demographics, the landscape information on health and well-being, and finally the committee�s vision for the future and its regional work plan. The committee�s work plan is based on needs identified in the report and also on consultations held with citizens in the region last fall. The document will also be released at the St. Jude Hotel in Clarenville on Thursday, May 22, and on May 29 at O�Happy Site Hotel in Bonavista. The Eastern Region Steering Committee of the SSP is one of six committees across the province working to implement the SSP at a regional level. Partners meet to discuss common issues that impact the well being of people in the region, consult with community leaders, and facilitate partnerships that can make a difference in the everyday lives of people. Media contact: 2003 05 21 2:55 p.m. |
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