The PEI Health Information Resource Centre launched a campaign today to encourage Islanders to contact the Centre for reliable health information.
Established in 1996, the Centre is funded by the Department of Health and Social Services and jointly coordinated by the health system and several community organizations.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that the demand for health information is increasing rapidly. "Having health information is often the first step people take to increase control over their health. Information can help people develop knowledge and skills to prevent, reduce and manage chronic conditions."
"Individuals, families, and care givers use the Centre to get more information on treatment options, ways to improve their health, and where to go for help," he said. "Many Islanders want to be more informed about whether their lifestyle or food choices are truly healthy."
Jennifer Cairns-Burke, Coordinator of the Health Information Resource Centre, encourages all Islanders to call the Centre for information on health and wellness topics. "Lifestyle choices play an important role in preventing disease. We can assist Islanders to find information to improve their health and the health of their families. We have information on a wide variety of topics such as nutrition, parenting, women's health, aging, fitness, and stress."
The Centre also provides information to help Islanders better understand a condition they or a family member have been diagnosed with. "Health information assists Islanders to make more informed choices about their own health and their family's health," said Ms. Cairns-Burke.
"We also receive many requests from individuals and families for information on local services and supports," she said. "We direct them to self-help groups, help lines, and supports and services such as bereavement, mental health, personal development, and physical health."
David Daughton, chair of the Centre's Coordinating Committee advised that the Centre receives more than 900 inquiries each month. "Islanders are contacting the Centre in four ways: 1) visiting the Centre at 1 Rochford Street, Charlottetown, 2) calling the Centre's toll-free number 1 (800) 241-6970, 3) visiting the Centre's website at www.hirc.pe.ca, or 4) visiting one of the Centre's satellite sites," he said. Satellite sites are located at the Pharmasave in Souris, Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague, Santé Health Centre in Evangeline, and Opportunity Centres in West Prince. Two additional sites will soon open at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Women's Network in Charlottetown.
"Health information is provided at no cost and privacy is respected," said Daughton.
Over the next eight weeks, Islanders can expect to hear radio commercials encouraging them to contact the Centre for reliable information. More than 30,000 business cards promoting the Centre will be distributed by pharmacists with prescriptions. Brochures and posters will also be distributed through pharmacies, physician and public health nursing offices, libraries, and other centres.
The Health Information Resource Centre is a member of the Canadian Health Network, a national health information service built on the resources of a growing network of Canadian health organizations providing Canadians access to reliable Internet based health information. The Canadian Health Network website can be accessed at www.canadian-health-network.ca.
For more information on the Health Information Resource Centre, please contact Jennifer Cairns-Burke at 902-368-4986.