Message from Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Public Health Officer:

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection was created in 2006 in response to the independent review of Public Health in Nova Scotia. HPP brings together Nova Scotia Health Promotion, the Public Health branch of the Department of Health, and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Together they form a government department dedicated to promoting and protecting health and preventing illness and injury. Nova Scotia is transforming its Public Health system to address the complex health challenges of the 21st century.

These challenges include:

• epidemics of inactivity and unhealthy eating
• unacceptably high rates of preventable disability and death from injury
• continued use of tobacco products and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption
• the ongoing presence of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS
• a tremendous burden of mental health issues
• strengthen support for children and families during the critical early childhood period (0-6 years)
• potential health impacts of global warming and other environmental issues

Addressing these challenges need to involve all parts of society; individuals, families, communities, governments and the private sector;. Solutions will require long-term, comprehensive strategies. These strategies need to focus on changing the physical and social environments where people live, work and play. They also need to address root causes such as poverty and education. The only way to do this is through cross-government and inter-sectoral partnerships and collaborations over the long-term.

Continuing to invest in prevention is fundamental to creating healthier and sustainable communities. The work of Health Promotion and Protection and our many partners is beginning to make a difference and I invite you to be part of this change.