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(f) Central Council for Health Education.—This Council is an incorporated
body composed of representatives of Government Departments, Local
Government, National Health Insurance, Professional Organisations and Voluntary
Societies engaged in Health Propaganda work. Your medical officer was elected
Chairman of the Council in November, 1938. The Council aims at (a) the organisation
of Health Weeks on behalf of local authorities; (6) the production and distribution
of posters; (c) the issue of "Better Health"; (d) the organisation
of a Health Education Conference annually; (e) the distribution of films and
leaflets; (f) the issue of a Year Book collating information relating to health
propaganda; (g) the co-ordination of the work of affiliated societies in the
organisation of local campaigns, etc.; (h) the maintenance of a permanent collection
of Health Education material; and (i) the furnishing of expert advice on the best
methods of Health Education.
The Borough Council increased its annual contribution to the funds of this
body from five guineas to ten guineas.
(g) "Better Health."—This journal, which is the official magazine of the
Central Council for Health Education, is published monthly. During the year its
layout was revised in order to increase its popular appeal. Its contents include
articles on personal health and hygiene from the public and personal points of view,
and it is a valuable aid to public health in these matters. We know it is thoroughly
appreciated by those into whose hands it comes monthly. In Woolwich we distribute
some two thousand copies each month, through the welfare centres, through
the public libraries, through the schools, and by post.
(h) Health Services Booklet.—This booklet contains full information
regarding the Council's health services and six editions have been published since
it was first issued in 1931.
It is distributed through the health centres, the public libraries, and the local
post offices. Every new tenant in the Council's housing estates receives a copy.
Any ratepayer can receive a copy on application to the Health Department.
(i) Health and Happiness for Baby.—Prior to 1937 advice to expectant
and nursing mothers and information on the care and management of infants was
given in various leaflets. In 1937, however, these leaflets were combined and
rewritten in the form of a booklet entitled "Health and Happiness for Baby." This
booklet has 32 pages and was first printed in November, 1937; a second edition
was printed at the end of 1938. A copy is sent to every Woolwich mother when
the birth of her baby is notified and copies are obtainable at the welfare centres.
In this way over 2,500 copies are distributed each year.
(j) Leaflets.—A complete series of leaflets dealing with practically every
branch of the Council's health services has been prepared locally or has been purchased
from central sources. These are distributed as necessary and can be obtained
on request at the health department and any of the health centres.