Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) leaders will speak June 20 at the annual general meeting of a Greater Sudbury organization that helps people with physical disabilities live independently.
The Independence Centre and Network (ICAN) meeting, which is open to the public, will be held from 5 to 7 pm at 765 Brennan St.
Northeast LHIN CEO David Murray and board vice-chair Margaret Ashcroft will be the guest speakers.
ICAN provides services like supportive housing, attendant care and independence training.
The organization is currently funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, but the LHIN will take over responsibility for ICAN when it comes into effect April 1, 2007.
The province has been divided into 14 LHINs, which will be responsible for funding organizations like hospitals, long-term care facilities and community care access centres.
Part of their mandate is to help different agencies work together.
ICAN executive director Valerie Scarfone will ask the leaders how LHINs will impact services for the disabled. She's hopeful things with get better.
"I see this as a radical change, and I see it as a very positive change, because planning is going to be tied into the same organization as funding," she says.
"The very people that are planning and see the gaps in service are the people who are going to have the funding and allocation to be able to meet those needs and make a difference."
