The Cancer Affiliate of the Canadian Health Network (CHN) is holding working
meetings in Halifax, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. The purpose of these
meetings is to begin to set the direction for our CHN activities in
collaboration with our partners and others interested in improving access to
cancer information on the Internet.

Anyone who has knowledge of cancer information needs or gaps, experience in
looking for cancer information on the Internet, or an interest in improving
access to cancer information is welcome to attend. We hope that consumers,
survivors, caregivers, and health and information professionals will be able
to participate. If you are aware of anyone who you think might be interested
in participating, we encourage you share this information with them.

The meetings will be scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The dates are as
follows:

* Vancouver - November 28, 2000
* Halifax - December 1, 2000
* Toronto - January 19, 2001
* Montreal - to be determined

Specifically, the meeting objectives are:
* to discuss and identify issues regarding information needs and gaps on the
Internet for consumers, cancer survivors and their families, and health
professionals
* to develop and prioritize strategies for action to improve access to
quality, cancer information on the Internet.
* to provide a forum for networking and information exchange for the members
of our Network of Associates and other members of Canada's cancer community
* to provide an in-depth orientation to the Canadian Health Network project
and web site

By the end of the day, we hope to answer such questions as:
* Are the information needs the same for people who use the Internet as
those who use traditional health information services (i.e., information
lines)?
* What cancer information is not currently available on the Internet, and
what can we do to make it available?
* What kind of formats do people prefer when looking for cancer information
on the Internet (i.e., Frequently Asked Questions, interactive decision
aids, listservs, chat rooms)?
* What are the qualities of a good, health-information web site?

For more information or to reserve a spot, you can contact either Natalie
Parry or Elizabeth O'Brien by email at [log in to unmask] or by phone at
416.363.9662 (toll-free 1.877.753.2484). Space is limited, so we encourage
you to RSVP as soon as possible. We would appreciate receiving responses for
the Vancouver and Halifax meetings no later than November 17, 2000.


Natalie Parry, Partnership and Health Promotion Consultant
Elizabeth O'Brien, Information Specialist

Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Health Network Cancer Affiliate
36 Toronto Street, Suite 850
Toronto, ON M5C 2C5
phone: 416.363.9662/1.877.753.2484
fax: 416.360.3838
email: [log in to unmask]
www.cancer.ca
www.chn-rcs.ca