September 15, 2011 - Today is National Community Health Representatives (CHR) Day - a celebration of the dedication and commitment that CHRs have towards teaching, encouraging and supporting healthy style life choices to the people within their communities. The theme for this year is “CHRs – Lifelines to a Healthy Lifestyle.”

Community CHR’s are the bridge between the community and the health services system in injury and disease prevention. There are currently 22 CHRs in the Northwest Territories, all of whom are indigenous residents. Since 1986, they have been trained in the North through the Aurora College Program.

“Community Health Representatives are health coaches and liaisons. They support individual and community efforts to become healthier, by connecting people with the services they need, and promoting personal responsibility,” said Minister of Health and Social Services J. Michael Miltenberger.

Improving the health status of the population is a priority under ‘Building on Our Foundation 2011-2016 - A Strategic Plan for the NWT Health and Social Service System. CHRs are a vital link in communicating the services that the NWT Health and Social Services system offers its residents.

During CHR Day, Health and Social Services Authorities across the NWT will host events to recognize and thank the CHRs in their communities.

Here are a couple videos of CHRs at work. To see more videos from HSS click here.

For more information, contact:

Damien Healy

Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927