Our focus is on improving the health of our community.  We work in collaboration with communities, non-government organisations and other stakeholders to promote good nutrition and physical activity, along with a smoke-free environment.

To find out more about our Health Promotion services, phone Sarah Mulcahy on (06) 878 3270.

The Ottawa Charter is an international model on which health promotion activity is based.  It defines health promotion as:

"the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.  To reach a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, an individual or group must be able to realise aspirations, to satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment.  Health is therefore seen as a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living.  Health is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources, as well as physical capabilities.  Therefore, health promotion is not just the responsibility of the health sector but goes beyond healthy lifestyles to wellbeing" (World Health Organisation 1986).

Hawkes Bay PHO provides health promotion to the enrolled population using the principals of the Ottawa Charter as a guide.  The Hawkes Bay PHO health promotion plan has a focus on nutrition, physical activity and smoke free environments.  Current initiatives provided by the PHO are:

• The provision of group exercise opportunities in Napier, Hastings and Waipukurau for people referred to green prescription by their GP.  This is in partnership with Sport HB and Aqua Management.
• Supporting smokefree activities as a member of the HB smokefree coalition.
• Implementing Healthy Eating Healthy Action initiatives.
• Funding of the Healthy Heart Award programme within early education centres and Kohanga Reo.
• Providing local training in Smoking Cessation, Nutrition, Maori Nutrition and Physical Activity.
• Providing adult education opportunities for the enrolled population eg Kapai Kai, Supermarket tours.
• Administering the Healthy Homes scheme to provide insulation of a number of homes for families in need.

In addition the PHO works collaboratively with community groups and government organisations to advocate for services which will improve the health of the enrolled population.