Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin has been named Chair of the newly established Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) Board of Health, as the unified public health agency officially launched on January 1, 2025. GEPH was formed through the merger of the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU), a collaboration first announced on December 2, 2024.
The new public health entity will serve the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County, bringing together resources to enhance public health services, improve service delivery, and strengthen community support across the region.
The GEPH Board of Health, chaired by Mayor Martin, includes representatives from local municipalities and provincial appointees. John Bell has been appointed Vice-Chair, and the full board is composed of Kim Huffman, Shelley Ann Bentley, Dan McCreary, Rose Sicoli, Susan Brown, Mike Bodnar, and Joy O’Donnell.
Chair Amy Martin, who also leads Norfolk County Council, expressed her optimism about the merger’s potential to better serve the region’s public health needs. “The merger of the Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Units into Grand Erie Public Health is a momentous step toward creating a more cohesive and effective public health system for our communities. This collaboration will not only enhance the services we provide but also allow us to better respond to the evolving needs of our residents. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues to merge our shared priorities.”
Grand Erie Public Health will focus on ensuring a seamless transition for residents, with services continuing uninterrupted at the former BCHU and HNHU locations. The agency will gradually integrate programs and services throughout 2025, maintaining consistent access to health resources and support for the communities it serves.
Brent Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Erie Public Health, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards during the transition. “As we embark on this exciting new chapter with the formation of Grand Erie Public Health, we are committed to strengthening our public health services and ensuring a seamless transition for the communities we serve. Together, we will continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our residents, delivering the quality care and services they expect and deserve.”
The launch of GEPH marks the beginning of a phased rebranding process, including the development of a new website and unified social media accounts in 2025. Until the rebranding is complete, residents can continue to access updates and information through the existing websites, www.bchu.org and www.hnhu.org.
Grand Erie Public Health operates under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, combining expertise and resources from its two predecessor organizations. By prioritizing prevention, education, and collaboration, GEPH aims to foster healthier, more resilient communities across the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.
The establishment of Grand Erie Public Health signals a new era of public health collaboration, driven by strong leadership and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its communities.
