On January 1, Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) officially began operations, following the merger of the Brant County Health Unit and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.

GEPH serves the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County. Officials say the merger strengthens public health services across the region, enhancing capacity, improving service delivery, and creating a unified network to better support local communities.

The new Board of Health for GEPH consists of one council appointee from Haldimand County, two from Norfolk County, two from City of Brantford, one from the County of Brant, and up to five appointees of the province.

The new GEPH Board of Health is Amy Martin (chair); John Bell (vice-chair); Kim Huffman, Shelley Ann Bentley, Dan McCreary, Rose Sicoli, Susan Brown, Mike Bodnar, Joy O’ Donnell.

All locations continue to operate with their current hours, ensuring seamless access to programs and services.

Originally printed in The Good News, February 2025.