Community Health Boards Get Funding to Promote Wellness

HEALTH--Community Health Boards Get Funding to Promote
Wellness

Health Minister Jamie Muir today announced a $1 million Wellness Fund for community health boards that will be used for the promotion of healthy living.

Each board will receive between $22,000 and $38,000, based on their population, for community health initiatives including local smoking cessation programs.

This is the first direct funding that community health boards have received to support local priorities since the Health Authorities Act was introduced. The act gave boards a legislated role in health care planning and promotion for the first time in Nova Scotia.

"This money, on top of the legislation, will enable community health boards to make a greater contribution to the health of their communities," said Mr. Muir. "If we want to change health care, we have to continue to improve services for those who are sick, but we also need to put more emphasis on keeping people well. And this is something communities do best."

Mr. Muir said community health boards identify projects and initiatives in their community health plans that address the broad determinants of health, such as poverty, transportation, mental health, caring for persons at home, and issues affecting seniors and youth.

Ryan Sommers, co-chair of the Cobequid Community Health Board said, "We've already started a good dialogue within our community and we're happy this funding will allow us to build on that."

Mr. Sommers also stated their board has been very active, offering educational sessions on topics like mental health, nutrition, and recreation services. The board also lent support to projects like the development of a local walking trail and community gardens.

Across the province, health boards are involved in activities that meet the unique needs of their communities. This funding will enable them to continue this work and initiate new projects.

Mr. Sommers said one area of focus for the Cobequid board is youth.

"About 30 per cent of all youth in the Capital District Health Authority fall within our community health board, and through consultations with our community members we've learned that they need more projects and partnerships to benefit youth," said Mr. Sommers

The Department of Health and district health authorities have developed general criteria for funding projects that will ensure accountability while giving boards the freedom to choose their own projects.

"I look forward to seeing the many ways the board brings life to this wellness fund," said Mr. Muir. "Since this is the International Year of the Volunteer, I'm pleased we have this opportunity to acknowledge and support the work of community health boards."

Community health boards are made up of over 400 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from across Nova Scotia.