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Hamilton Spectator

After major changes, Grand Erie health unit seeks new identity, leaders

It turns out merging was the easy part for one of Ontario's newest health units. Since Grand Erie Public Health was created in January from the merger of health units in Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant, the new organization has appointed three different medical officers of health and is now without a CEO, all while managing one of the province's largest measles outbreaks. Staff at the health unit — which formed after the province put out a call for voluntary mergers last year — are also trying to figure out which services are most needed across a large and diverse coverage area. The health unit recently launched a survey asking residents to share their past experiences interacting with public health and to define what public health means to them. The survey also asks respondents what values they associate with their local health unit, what health unit services they have used, and the methods of communication are most effective at passing on health information. The questionnaire will be used to create a new 'brand voice' and communication strategy for the health unit, according to a message to survey respondents. The former Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit conducted public surveys before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the main findings were the need for the health unit to be more transparent and rebuild trust with residents who were left mistrustful or even fearful of public health due to poor communication and the debates over vaccinations and lockdowns. The current survey — which is completed anonymous — is available online at until May 25. Who will lead the health unit remains an open question after the departure of CEO Brent Richardson in April. Richardson joined Brant County Health Unit in 2017 and became CEO in 2022. The health unit did not explain why Richardson left, and he did not respond to a request for comment from The Spectator. A search is underway for his replacement, led by corporate recruiter LHH Knightsbridge. According to the online job posting, the ideal candidate will be 'financially savvy' and a 'politically astute communicator' who 'fosters trust, transparency and inclusion.' 'We are seeking an inspiring and innovative leader — someone deeply committed to public service excellence and community well-being,' board of health chair Amy Martin said in a statement. 'This is a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future of our newly merged organization and lead transformative change for the communities we serve.' The new CEO will report to the board and work closely with the medical officer of health, a position currently held by Dr. Adelle Chang On, who temporarily left her public health role in Waterloo Region to fill in as Grand Erie's top doc following the death of Dr. Malcolm Lock in February. Lock himself was a fill-in for Dr. Rebecca Comley, who was announced as Grand Erie's acting medical officer of health after the merger in January but took a leave of absence soon after. The health unit also has a job posting open for a permanent medical officer.