What is the purpose of CHAllies?
The purpose of Community Health Allies (CHAllies) is to help build, strengthen and expand NH relations with the communities, with the aim of furthering Northern Health’s goal to provide “exceptional health services for Northerners in partnership with communities and organizations.”

Has this group been formed because the sharing of health information has been done poorly in the past?
Far from it. The group has been formed to improve on communication using appropriate electronic technology, respecting and engaging the role of the community at a personal level.

What kind of information will members get?
The information to be shared will vary according the season or time of year, and ambient health issues. This could include info on public health hazards, community and personal health promotion to assist in protection and promotion of health and safety as well as preventing harm. Examples would be: public health advisories, alerts and bulletins as well as outbreaks or health threats and risks, school closures and immunization schedules. The information will include suggestions for avoiding harm and keeping safe and healthy.

The TOR make reference to “approved” health-related information – “approved” by whom?
Since the CHAllies concept is an extension of the NH goal of providing “exceptional health services for Northerners in partnership with communities and organizations”, the information to be shared will be reviewed to ensure that it is focused on this goal.

The TOR also say that members will be consulted. On what types of ‘issues’ would they be consulted, and what would be done with that input?
This is yet to be determined but it would include topics or issues such as innovations and proposed improvements or changes in community health that will lend themselves to consumer or community consultations.

Will this group have the power/authority to alter health policy?
Groups will be encouraged to offer comments and suggestions on the information they may receive. Such suggestions may inform health service programming.

Are there any types of groups that are NOT eligible to join this network?
All identifiable groups with email address of the chairperson or lead are eligible to join CHAllies.

Can individuals join? If not, why not?
Community networking through service groups and associations is an asset to the broader community. Together as groups, we shall achieve much more. Through the group approach we would engage a far larger proportion of the community than recruiting individual participation.