Health Policy

In the municipalities of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel, a new joint municipal note on public health has been adopted by both municipal councils.

It is about healthy living, working, growing up and life. The municipalities are curious to know what is important to residents and how they can work on this together. It is important to design the environment in such a way that it invites healthy behavior. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to look at issues such as poverty, participation and living environment, because these affect health.

Read the summary of the paper here

Group discussions

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

The stories were used as input for new policies and as an impetus to become more connected and find new ways to work together. We deliberately held open conversations. That helped people talk about their own experiences. For most attendees, it was the first time speaking with each other in a mixed format on the topic of health.

Municipal health policy

The municipality has a legal mandate to promote the health of its citizens. Municipalities deploy various activities. Current focal points are combating obesity and problematic alcohol use.

Besides promoting health, there are 2 more tasks: health protection and disease prevention, these are largely assigned to the GGD. GGD Fryslân is the health service of the Frisian municipalities for infection control, youth health care and environmental advice. It also advises municipalities on the health of Frisian residents.

Projects

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

JOGG (healthy youth, healthy future) aims to create a healthy environment for youth to grow up healthy. View the JOGG 2021-2022 fact sheet for more information.
With Sports Promotion High Five , residents of all ages are encouraged to get plenty of exercise.
The Kansrijke Start project prepares expectant parents for the arrival of their child, specifically focusing on the^1st 1,000 days.
With the implementation of the Prevention and Enforcement Plan, excessive substance use will be curbed.
Gezonde School Fryslân offers schools and pre-school facilities support for their own on-site health policies.
We deploy the Healthy In! program to reduce health disparities.

Initiatives from residents and organizations

Attention to health exists in many places and does not only happen from the health policy of the municipality. There are many positive healthy initiatives that may contribute to a long and happy life, initiated by residents and organizations. Some examples:

Mei Elkoar Yn Drogeham (MEYD): residents and professionals work together for a healthy neighborhood, including a working group Fit and Sûn.
Trynwâlderein: advocacy in an elderly for elderly -network, deals with supply and demand of voluntary and professional care.
Connecting Gardens Outpost: ensuring more connection between gardens and more biodiversity in landscape and public green spaces. For example, by planting bulbs in roadsides and sowing flower seeds.
't Stationnetje: places in Hurdegaryp and in Buitenpost where young people can go if they want to work on a goal (e.g. school choice, job search, working on a talent) and for social contact.

Municipal note

Frisian note

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

Country note

State and municipalities are going to work together. This paper describes the national public health priorities and gives direction to the local health policies of municipalities.

Health broadly on the agenda at Rijksoverheid.nl

GGD Fryslân

Learn more about the GGD at GGDFryslan.nl.

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