By Tara Lapointe, Freelancer

Photos by Patt Devine

CFPSA Head Quarters Health Promotion Staff Jane .aspick, Daryl Allard and Grace Betts with Navy representative, Captain (N)Weadon, PSP Vice-President, Greg Pearson and DHPHP, Wayne Lee.   From left to right: CFSUO Base Commander, Colonel Cyr; CFSUO Health Promotion staff Jacqueline Laframboise, Alain Contant, and Terry Pyne with ADM(HR-Mil), Lieutenant-General Couture and DGHS, Brigadier-General Mathieu.

On Monday November 4, 2002, 26 Bases and Wings from across the country, held Open House Health Fairs to announce the delivery of a revitalized Strengthening the Forces health promotion program to be offered through the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and 38 recently hired Health Promotion Directors and Managers.

In Ottawa, the atmosphere was celebratory as LGen Couture, ADM(HR-Mil), BGen Mathieu, Director General Health Services (DGHS), and Greg Pearson, Executive Vice President, Personnel Support Programs (PSP), CFPSA, addressed a bustling lunchtime crowd. Department of National Defence employees browsed through the many kiosks that were promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Not only was the Canadian Forces Support Unit Ottawa (CFSUO) health promotion team represented, but the fair also showcased a number of community health services partners including SISIP, the Employee Assistance Program, the CF Members Assistance Program, Fitness and Sports, and Military Family Resource Centres, all of which helped to demonstrate the wealth of programs and resources that are already available to CF members and their families.

Health Promotion team from Petawawa (from left to right) Sky Jury, Christine McWillis and Dana Lawson.   Major Miguel Bourassa (left) with Borden Health staff, Sharon Poirier, Valerie Bell and Tammy Adams.

In his remarks LGen Couture emphasized his commitment to the health and well being of all CF members, their families and the Defence Team. This included announcing the allocation of additional resources in the areas of education, awareness and prevention. New program components will be developed by the DGHS and will be delivered locally by CFPSA PSP health promotion professionals.

Grace Betts, Senior Manager, Health Promotion, CFPSA was thrilled about the focus on good health and overall well being. "The cornerstones of this revitalized program are education and prevention. Working with our community partners to provide these services, we know that we will have a stronger, healthier, safer CF."

Health Promotion Delivery Managers, Daryl Allard (East) and Linda Thompson (West), are proud to work with the dynamic team of Health Promotion Directors and Managers. "We are so proud of our field personnel. With their knowledge and energy, our HP staff have made some tremendous inroads by creating partnerships, forming committees and bringing health promotion to the forefront. I can't say enough about them!" said Linda Thompson.