Program content coordinator Nancy O' Connor met this week with the public health network coordinator of the Strafford County Public Health Network (SCPHN) to discuss representing SRPC on their Strafford Public Health and Advisory (PHAC) committee. According to the SCPHN website, the network's mission "is to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for all individuals in Strafford County."
SRPC is interested in participating in the network because of the significant link between planning, transportation, and public health. Former SRPC planner Liz Durfee was a PHAC executive committee member and made great contributions serving on a childhood obesity subcommittee and helping with data, mapping, funding applications, and the launch of the Somersworth Farmer's Market among other projects.
The
Strafford PHAC meets six times a year and brings together important stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on strategies to address issues such as obesity, substance misuse, emergency preparedness, mental health, and heart disease. SRPC can provide data and guidance on land use, planning, and transportation-related issues such as walkability, access to green spaces and trails, and public transportation. We are excited to get back to work with
the PHAC's
dedicated members and contribute to their continued success.