The Ministry of Health is launching its second edition of the Well Bermuda Strategy with two new focus areas — asthma and mental health.

Well Bermuda, which is the national health strategy launched in November 2006, has created a broad range of government and community partners to enhance the promotion of health in Bermuda through the Department of Health.

During the Ministry's review, there will also be a breakdown of injuries and violence into two new areas on road safety and violent injuries. And Health Minister Nelson Bascome also called for the public and professionals to give their input on possible amendments to the strategy.

He said: "Since its launch two years ago, great strides have been made, action plans have been created, community interventions have been delivered and, among public health practitioners and partners, Well Bermuda became a household name.

"But we are only just beginning. This second edition includes two new goals: on mental health and asthma, and the previous goal on injuries and violence has been split into two new goals: on road safety and violent injuries. "However it is crucial to note that although these goals are new to the Strategy, there has been a great deal of health promotion activity undertaken on these issues for many years.

"Their inclusion in the Strategy is to overtly highlight their importance as health promotion priorities for the country and to bring them aboard the Well Bermuda family."

The Ministry is looking for feedback on whether these objectives proposed for the goals are appropriate and if there are any additional or better data sources for the baseline measures for the objectives.

Anyone interested in viewing the original Well Bermuda Strategy and the proposed amendments can view them on www.health.gov.bm or email: healthpromotion@gov.bm or call: 278 6500.

Feedback should be sent directly to the Health Promotion Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Attride-Stirling and must reach her no later than 22 October 2008.