News Release                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                November 23, 2006

New Guide Improves Family Services in Grey Bruce

Owen Sound - A new family services reference guide Pathways to Care was released yesterday at a daylong conference of social, community and health service providers. Developed by the Let’s Grow Interagency Committee, the laminated guide lists, in an easy use format, contact information and descriptions of various agencies and programs related to families.   

 Over 100 local service providers gathered at St. Mary’s Hall in Owen Sound Wednesday November 22 to hear presentations, view displays and network with other agency staff members about the variety of programs available to families with young children in Grey Bruce.  

“We realized there was a need for better communication between agencies and to help service providers become more familiar with what is available in our region. This guide, along with this networking day, will help service providers refer families to programs best suited for the child’s needs.” said Sarah Stewart, Public Health manager and co-chair of the Let’s Grow Interagency Committee. “We will also be distributing the guides to many health care providers who weren’t able to attend today’s event.” 

Agencies with staff in attendance included Community Living, Public Health, M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre, Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services, Victorian Order of Nurses, Bluewater District School Board, Ontario Early Years, Canadian Mental Health Association and others.  

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Attachments:

Photos:  Rebecca Smith and Mary Lynn Houston of the M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre look over the new pathways to care referral guide.

For more information:

Sarah Stewart

Program Manager Family Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 426