PPH recognizes advocates, redevelops mission

LACONIA — Partnership for Public Health recently held its annual meeting where the non-profit recognized people who have positively contributed to healthcare in the region and announced a revamped mission organization.

Dr. Eleanor Janeway with HealthFirst Family Care Center Inc. was named as PPH’s Community Health Champion. She has provided standing orders for PPH’s School Based Flu Vaccine clinics for several years, was a trusted advisor during the pandemic and has provided financial donations to the organization.

Pat Kiefer was named Volunteer of the Year. Kiefer works closely with Laconia Youth Alliance, spending his personal time executing their initiatives and providing a helping hand.

WellSense Health Plan donated and provided service over the years to help PPH.

“We are so grateful for them not only for sponsoring our meeting but for being a consistent partner over the years of our growth,” Partnership for Public Health said in a statement.

Along with the awards, PPH announced a revamp of its missions and initiatives.

Under the new structure, PPH has four pillars, each representing a mission of the organization along with sub-programs related to each. These pillars are: Human services, health council, emergency preparedness and prevention strategies.

Human services, which includes programs such as ServiceLink and WellnessLink, is also a team of experts that connects people with resources throughout the community to address their specific concerns.

Emergency preparedness, which includes CERT and MRC, focuses on bringing together first responders, healthcare partners, community members and leaders to discuss, plan and respond to public health emergencies.

Prevention strategies, which includes Laconia Youth Alliance, will provide education, assistance and resources on substance use, suicide and social isolation.

The health council is made up of community partners who work collaboratively to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the public health needs of the Winnipesaukee region for a community that’s as healthy and safe as possible.

“PPH is so grateful for such passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners,” said Executive Director Tammy Carmichael. “Let’s go together into the future harnessing our collaborative power for a healthier and more resilient community.”