Local health unit merges into South East Health Unit | InQuinte.ca
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Local health unit merges into South East Health Unit

By Paul Martin Jan 2, 2025 | 2:57 PM

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has been formally amalgamated into the new South East Health Unit.

The final vote was held yesterday to merge the local group with the Health Units in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington, and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.

Jan O’Neil, Mayor of Marmora and Lake and previously the Chair of the Board at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health was elected as the new Chair of the Board at the South East Health Unit.

Judy Greenwood-Speers, Councilor with the County of Frontenac, was elected as Vice Chair.

“It’s truly an exciting time for our three legacy agencies,” said Jan O’Neill, Board Chair for the South East Health Unit. “Speaking for the Board, we’re committed to working together to find new and innovative ways to best serve our various communities.”

The South East Health Unit Board consists of four municipal representatives from each legacy agency, and as of Jan. 1, six provincial representatives:

Councillor Conny Glenn, City of Kingston
Councillor Jeff McLaren, City of Kingston
Councillor Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac
Warden Nathan Townend, County of Lennox & Addington
Reeve Richard Kidd, Lanark County
Mayor Robin Jones, County of Leeds and Grenville
Councillor Peter McKenna, Town of Smiths Falls*
Councillor Anne-Marie Koiner, Town of Gananoque*
Councillor Sean Kelly, City of Belleville
Councillor Bill Roberts, Prince Edward County
Mayor Jan O’Neill, Hastings County
Councillor Michael Kotsovos, City of Quinte West
Barbara Proctor, Provincial Representative
Melanie Paradis, Provincial Representative
Dr. Jeffrey Allin, Provincial Representative
Chris Seeley, Provincial Representative
Dr. David Pattenden, Provincial Representative
Stephen Bird, Provincial Representative

* Note that there are four municipalities (City of Brockville, Town of Smiths Falls, Town of Gananoque and Town of Prescott) who jointly appoint two Board members who represent all four municipalities.

The responsibilities of the South East Health Unit remain the same as those of the legacy agencies: to provide public health-based programs that help prevent illness and injury, promote health and wellness, and protect residents from environmental health hazards.

“The merger has given us a unique opportunity to transform how we deliver public health services in our combined communities. It’s truly an exciting time for public health in the Southeast region,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the South East Health Unit.

Efforts are underway to develop new branding for the South East Health Unit, which is expected to take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material from the former health agencies. You will also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit. The South East Health Unit appreciates your patience as we transition to our new brand.

Office addresses, phone numbers, websites and social media accounts have not changed at this time. We ask that the public continue to interact with their local public health office as they usually would until otherwise directed. Please check the following websites for more information:

Residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties: www.hpePublicHealth.ca.

Call 1-800-267-2803

Residents of the City of Kingston and Counties of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington: www.kflaph.ca.

Call 1-800-267-7875

Residents of the Counties of Lanark and Leeds & Grenville: www.healthunit.org.

Call 1-800-660-5853