Conference - The Social Determinants of Health: Addressing Health Inequities on Vancouver Island: May, 2006

The Conference was aimed at increasing the knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health and the actions and approaches already underway or planned for on Vancouver Island. There were approximately 120 participants from across the island from a wide range of professions involved in population, health and wellness.

We provided a team of six facilitators for the interactive portions of the Conference. We designed and facilitated two sessions in which participants broke into six groups to explore potential roles and approaches for enhancing the population, health and wellness on Vancouver Island. In the first session, each group worked with one of the determinants, looking at present and potential roles for VIHA, local government, community groups and the private sector. In the second session, each group created a mind map to brainstorm on how to promote meaningful collaboration. A high level summary was reported to the plenary session via our lead facilitator.

"On behalf of the Organizing Committee for the Social Determinants of Health Conference, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for you and your team's participation as facilitators. Your sessions enriched and brought energy to the conference program. Delegates are looking forward to your summary of the sessions to point to new directions for future work. There is no doubt that your contribution was instrumental to the success of the conference."

Sylvia Robinson, Director of Public Health, Vancouver Island Health Authority & Jeremy Tate, Senior Manager, Health Facilities Planning Capital Regional District - Conference Co-Chairs.