PROMOTING SOCIAL HEALTH IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

In response to concern about social health problems in Northern Saskat chewan, a Working Group on Social Health was established in 1989 in th e Research and Development Committee of Northern Medical Services. The Group formulated a concept of mental health in social terms; found an d interpreted indicators of the extent of social health problems; iden tified major determinants of social health problems, barriers to effec tive coping and problems in providing adequate support and services; a nd identified strategies and program models that could be more effecti ve in promoting social health in this region. Indicators of problems a nd underlying determinants are discussed, along with strategies for ch ange. These strategies are based on a community development model, and incorporate innovation and reaffirmation of values and ways that have traditionally given people strength.