Best wishes to all Ontario's Family Health Teams

As we draw to the close of 2010, AFHTO salutes the continued progress of the Family Health Teams of Ontario.  We are now 200 strong, thanks to your vision, commitment and innovation, proving the value of the FHT model. As you work to meet the health needs of Ontario families, your association works to meet your needs as professional teams. Over the past year AFHTO has made significant progress in our capacity to do this.  We received clear direction from the 150 FHT leaders who gathered to renew and refocus our association.  We hired our first executive director to take AFHTO to a new level. We've built stronger relationships with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other health organizations.  For example, we've been working with the Ministry toward improvements in the FHT budget and funding process, and in developing learning modules to support effective governance.    You'll be hearing more from AFHTO in January, and in February we'll be looking for your input on the strategic priorities to pursue in this election year.  For FHTs in Ontario, we sincerely believe the future is getting brighter! All the best to you and yours throughout 2011, From the AFHTO board and staff: Dr. John McDonald, President and Chair: (Lead Physician, PrimaCare Community FHT - Paris) Dr. Ruth Wilson, Vice President (Queen's FHT) Mr. Brian Gray, Secretary (Executive Director, Harrow FHT) Ms. Keri Selkirk, Treasurer (Executive Director, Thames Valley FHT) Ms. Kavita Mehta, Member at Large: (Executive Director, South East Toronto FHT) Mr. Randy Belair, Director (Executive Director, Sunset Country FHT - Kenora) Dr. Sean Blaine, Director (Lead Physician, STAR FHT - Stratford) Ms. Gwen Devereaux, Director (RN, Physician Recruitment Lead, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance and Alexandra Marine & General Hospital) Dr. Val Rachlis, Director (Chair of the Board, North York FHT) Dr. George Southey, Director (Lead Physician, Dorval Medical Associates FHT - Oakville) Mr. John Stanczyk, Director (Pharmacist, Delhi FHT) Ms. Durhane Wong-Rieger, Director (President & CEO, Institute for Optimizing Health Outcomes) Ms. Angie Heydon, Executive Director