Images from Google Maps
The South East Health Unit officially launched Wednesday, merging three legacy agencies: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health, and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
During its inaugural meeting, the Board of Health passed critical bylaws and elected Jan O’Neill, Hastings County Mayor, as Chair, and Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac Councillor, as Vice Chair.
“This is an exciting time for our communities,” said O’Neill. “We are committed to finding innovative ways to serve everyone better.”
The 18-member Board includes municipal and provincial representatives from across the region. Local representatives include Lennox and Addington County Warden Nathan Townend, Kingston Councillors Conny Glenn and Jeff McLaren, and Frontenac County Councillor Judy Greenwood-Speers.
Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, emphasized the merger’s potential: “This is a unique opportunity to transform public health delivery across the Southeast.”
The Unit will continue offering essential public health programs like illness prevention, health promotion, and environmental health protection.
Rebranding efforts are underway but will take months. For now, legacy agency logos and materials will remain in use. Residents should continue using current contact methods and websites for updates:
Hastings & Prince Edward: hpePublicHealth.ca
Kingston, Frontenac & Lennox & Addington: kflaph.ca
Lanark, Leeds & Grenville: healthunit.org
Call your local office for assistance.
This marks a new era for public health in the region.
