Prince George,  B.C.-A new report on  child health  within the Northern Health Region  has identified some areas of improvement.

The report was produced by Northern Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Sandra Allison.  “As I developed this report, it was clear that there are areas of health inequities for children in northern B.C., and we need to find ways to address these concerns,” said Dr. Sandra Allison .  “It will be important that northerners are involved in the development of solutions designed to meet the needs of the local communities.”

The report focuses on  children from  pre-birth to age 5.

Dr. Allison has made 6 recommendations:

• Northern Health should develop a program focused on children, youth, and families living in Northern B.C.;
• Encourage, promote and highlight collaboration in communities;
• Strive to achieve high levels of collaboration across sectors;
• Strengthen the partnership between Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority;
• Support communities and families to provide the foundations for early childhood development; and
• Commit to ongoing monitoring of child health data and indicators.

Based on the findings from the child health report, the Northern Health board will launch its seventh community consultation on this topic. The scope of the consultation will be broadened to include children from pregnancy to age 17.

The consultation process, which is expected to start in May,  is still  being  finalized, but  will include online engagement through surveys, public sessions, focus groups, youth groups, and more.