The Healthy Communities Conference was a Great Success.

About 180 delegates met to learn how population health is essential to a successful community.

People of all ages and backgrounds gathered Thursday January 27 at Club Lentinas in Chatham for the Chatham-Kent Next Generation: Creating Healthy Communities Conference. They learned about the Chatham-Kent Community Picture and the Social Determinants of Health. The keynote speaker – Dr. Jason Gilliland, Director of the Urban Development Program, University of Western Ontario – addressed Exploring the Impact of Food Environments on Population Health and the Economy

Municipal Councillor Marjorie Crew introduced Dr. Gilliland, who spoke on exploring the impact of food environments on population health and the economy. He ended his keynote address with a question and answer session, and then stayed afterward to speak personally with several attendees about community health issues and concerns.

“I think this conference is a shining example of the vision he shared about enhancing the quality of life for our citizens by focusing on health issues that affect us all,” said Dave Cullen, Chair of the Community Strategic Planning Committee.

Cullen adds that he is pleased that even the small details of the conference were in keeping with the healthy communities theme: “Another reason why we’re very proud of this event is that instead of gifts for speakers and participants, donations were made to A.L.L. for Kids (Activity, Leisure, Lessons for Kids). This program covers the costs of extra-curricular activities for children whose parents could otherwise not afford it.”