The Northwestern Health Unit has legislative authority to prevent, eliminate and/or decrease the effects of health hazards with definite or potential health implications. As well, the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines (1997) require the Health Unit to identify health hazards and take appropriate action that will protect community health and ensure continued public health services are delivered during a health hazard event.
Community Emergency Response Commmittees The Northwestern Health Unit is a member of all Community Emergency Response Committees for the areas including Atikokan, Dryden, Ear Falls, Emo, Fort Frances, Ignace, Kenora, Minaki, Pickle Lake, Rainy River, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Sioux Narrows. Each committee brings together community partners from local health care agencies and the municipality as well as the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Community Emergency Response Plans so that communities are prepared for emergencies.
The Medical Officer of Health is responsible for the coordination of the Health Units role in all Community Emergency Response Plans. Community Emergency Response Plans are available in each of the Northwestern Health Unit offices.
› Northwestern Health Unit Community Emergency Response Plan