Despite over 500,000 people signing up throughout Northern Ireland to the NHS Organ Donor Register, there are still not enough organs available for transplant. With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) will be hosting a stand at Queen’s University Freshers’ Fair on 28 September to increase awareness of this important issue and to help improve rates of organ donation in Northern Ireland.

On World Heart Day, 29 September 2011, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all smokers to stop smoking and reduce their risk of developing heart disease (cardiovascular disease – CVD) or suffering a stroke or a heart attack. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and illness in the UK. Research shows that smoking is one of the main contributors of the disease, causing around 25,000 deaths a year in the UK.

As ‘fresher’s week’ commences, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging students across Northern Ireland to avoid binge drinking and to know their limits if they do choose to drink alcohol.

Community and voluntary sector organisations in the Southern area are invited to apply for Public Health Agency (PHA)/Investing for Health small grants to improve health and social wellbeing and reduce inequalities in health. The closing date for the scheme is 7 October 2011. Two small grants are available. The first, up to £1,000, is for work in:

More than three quarters of 9–11 year olds (76%) in Northern Ireland don’t take part in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity they need each day, therefore the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched the next phase of its physical activity campaign ‘It all adds up!’ to encourage children to become more active and understand the importance of keeping fit, in a fun and exciting way.

Meningitis is potentially a life-threatening disease, therefore during Meningitis Awareness Week (19–25 September 2011), the Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to raise awareness in the community and across all age ranges about the signs and symptoms of this serious disease. Teenagers and young adults (14–24 years old) are one of the most at-risk groups. As a result, all young people in this age group, particularly those just returning to universities, should be aware of the disease and should also watch out for the signs and symptoms in their friends.

The number of 999 calls about symptoms of a possible stroke has increased by 23% in Northern Ireland since the launch of the F.A.S.T campaign in June. The Public Health Agency launched the campaign to increase awareness of stroke symptoms in order to help save lives and to inform the public about F.A.S.T. – Face, Arm, Speech, and Time to call 999. Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – Is their speech slurred? Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

The Public Health Agency (Southern Office) is inviting applications from community/voluntary groups based and working within the five district Council areas of Armagh; Banbridge; Craigavon; Dungannon & South Tyrone and Newry & Mourne for two grants schemes. The aim of the Public Health Agency is to improve the health and social well being of the population and to reduce inequalities in health.