Health policy

The municipal councils of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel have jointly established a new municipal public health policy.

This is about healthy living, working, growing up, and life. The municipalities are curious about what is important to residents and how we can work on this together. It is important to design the environment in such a way that it encourages healthy behavior. And also to look at topics such as poverty, participation, and living environment in addition to a healthy lifestyle, because these influence health.

Read the summary of the memorandum here

Group discussions

We spoke with 90 people about the health policy. The goal was to gather stories, experiences, and good ideas. How can you work together to improve the health of the people in Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel?

The stories have been used as input for new policies and as an incentive to connect more and find new ways to work together. We deliberately held open discussions. That helped people talk about their own experiences. For most attendees, it was the first time to speak with each other in a mixed composition about the theme of health.

Read more about the discussions

Municipal health policy

The municipality has a legal duty to promote the health of its citizens. The municipalities use various activities. Current spearheads are combating obesity and problematic alcohol use.

In addition to promoting health, there are 2 other tasks: health protection and disease prevention, which are largely assigned to the GGD (Public Health Service). GGD Fryslân is the health service of the Frisian municipalities for infectious disease control, youth health care and environmental advice. It also advises municipalities on the health of Frisian residents.

Projects

These are examples of some health projects that the municipalities of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel are carrying out together:

  • JOGG (healthy youth, healthy future) is intended to create a healthy environment, to give young people the opportunity to grow up healthy. View the fact sheet JOGG 2021-2022 for more information.
  • With Sport Stimulation High Five , residents of all ages are encouraged to get enough exercise.
  • In the Promising Start project, expectant parents are prepared for the arrival of their child, specifically focusing on the first 1000 days.
  • The implementation of the Prevention and Enforcement Plan aims to reduce excessive substance use.
  • Gezonde School Fryslân offers schools and pre-school facilities support for their own health policy on location.
  • We are implementing the 'Gezond In!' (Healthy In!) program to reduce health disparities.

Initiatives from residents and organizations

Attention to health is present in many places and does not only come from the municipality's health policy. There are many positive healthy initiatives that may contribute to a long and happy life, at the initiative of residents and organizations. Some examples:

  • Mei Elkoar Yn Drogeham (MEYD): residents and professionals work together on a healthy neighborhood, including a working group Fit en Sûn (Fit and Healthy).
  • Trynwâlderein: interest representation in a network by and for seniors, focusing on the supply and demand of voluntary and professional care.
  • Gardens connect Buitenpost: creating more connection between gardens and more biodiversity in the landscape and public green spaces. For example, by planting bulbs in verges and sowing flower seeds.
  • 't Stationnetje: places in Hurdegaryp and Buitenpost where young people can go if they want to work towards a goal (for example, choosing a school, looking for work, working on a talent) and for social contact.

Municipal note

Frisian memo

Frisian municipalities are working together to achieve the ambition (pdf) for good health and well-being with equal opportunities for everyone in Friesland.

National memorandum

The national government and municipalities are working together. This memorandum describes the national priorities in the field of public health and provides direction for the local health policy of municipalities.

GGD Fryslân

Read more about the GGD on GGDFryslan.nl.

Questions?

Contact us via gemeente@t-diel.nl.