about health & emergency local preparedness

It takes a village (or several) to...

• monitor our community health status,
• diagnose and investigate local health problems and hazards,
• inform, educate, and empower people about health issues,
• mobilize community partnerships to solve health problems,
• develop policies and plans to support health efforts,
• enforce laws and regulations to protect our health and safety,
• link people to needed health services,
• assure competent healthcare workforce,
• evaluate for effective, accessible and quality health services,
• research new and innovative solutions for local health issues, and

  ...build a model Local Public Health System.                      

The communities of Bethlehem, Littleton, Lisbon, Lyman, Landaff, Franconia, Easton, Sugar Hill, and Whitefield are embarking on a mission... local businesses, health and social service providers, public safety and municipal officials, religious and civic organizations, and schools are working together to create an improved local public health system addressing:

• emergency preparedness and communication systems;
• health care access for everyone;
• adult education and job skill training;
• preventative healthcare and substance abuse awareness;
• environmental issues and protection of our natural resources; and
• arrange rural transportation availability.

Our History and Purpose

The North Country Health Consortium (NCHC) was created in 1997 as a vehicle for addressing common issues through collaboration among health and human service providers serving Northern New Hampshire (Coos County and Upper Grafton County). NCHC member organizations are engaged in activities to build an inclusive regional health care system.

Turning Point Initiative

In cooperation with the NH Department of Health and Human Serivces, the Community Health Institute and the 9 local municipalities that comprise the Littleton Hospital Service Area, NCHC is developing a local public health coalition to ensure the capacity for the provision of essential public health functions to the region. The initiative is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for a nationwide initiative to better public health in the country. The NCHC initiative is working to develop a replicable infrastructure system for other regions in NH. Some of the activities include:

• A local health alert network and informational website
• Community assessment and planning
• Integrated regional emergency planning and preparedness
• Local health officer training programs and the creation of a certification curriculum
• Giving an identity to public health through public awareness
• Building a more formal local public health infrastructure through the development of a network of existing health programs and services

For More Information About Turning Point

Contact Nicole Lapointe by email or calling 603-837-2519.