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During a third annual symposium on the state of public health in the Laurentians held recently Sainte-Adèle, Dr. Blandine Piquet-Gauthier, the director of public health for the region, released her second report, dealing with environmental implications on health. The report establishes a link between the two. Compiled in a magazine format, the report provides a panoramic view of the situation the situation in the Laurentians in this regard.
Examines top issues
Far from taking into account all aspects of the question, it dwells on the most important preoccupations as regards public health: natural settings (the air outside, water), interior environments (urban planning, transportation, the air inside, swimming and other types of pools, residual and dangerous materials) and tourism (conflicts in use, urbanization, vehicles off the road).
Working together
Besides the salient facts concerning the links between the environment and health, the report presents preventive actions that can be taken by the different people involved from the health and social services sector, as well from the public in general. "The health sector cannot act alone," says Dr. Piquet-Gauthier. "Obtaining health requires the participation of all. It must be understood that the organization of services is not the only means to improve the health of the population, that there are other ways, of which certain need the intervention of the municipal realm, the ministries and organizations out there."
Many roles to play
Historically, municipalities and the MRCs have been the prominent players with the means at their disposal, permitting them to encourage the development of environments that are favourable to health. The detailed contents of urban plans, programs for the management of residual waste and plans for public security are just a few examples. The different ministries also have a role to play, since they have experts and resources that permit them to uphold the municipal milieu in the important work it has to do.
Expertise necessary
And the contribution of local and regional organizations must not be forgotten. These have an active and essential role to play in the preservation of the quality of the community and the quality of life, as well as in the development of a regional tourism that is durable. These organizations are in direct contact with the community, they have the expertise on the ground and are mobilizers, multipliers and agents for raising awareness and for educating.
An environmental conscience in the region that is real
Several actions and realizations noted in the report witness to a true environmental conscience on the part of decision makers, organizations and citizens of the Laurentian region. For these players, sustainable development is a concept that inspires and demands more and more decisions in matters of management, planning, information and education.
Agency's role crucial
The Laurentian public health agency is, of course, contributing to this collective effort by upholding environmental initiatives aimed at raising awareness, protecting and preserving, the supervision and the development of systems favourable to health and the well-being of the population. The director of public health's second report can be found on the agency's web site:
www.rrsss15.gouv.qc.ca
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