Budget Bulletin: Health Promotion and Protection

The province is continuing to meet its commitment to double the funding for health promotion in 2006-07 and adding additional funding to accommodate the transfer of public health. Much of this will go directly into communities around the province promoting everything from healthy eating to injury prevention.

HEALTHY CHOICES
The province is giving youth and their families the tools and supports they need to make healthy food choices. An investment of $600,000 will ensure the Health Promoting Schools program continues to help students make healthy food choices. As well, public health nutritionists will work in partnership with schools, parents, and their communities to support healthy eating. To complement these initiatives, a new school nutrition policy is being developed.

An investment of $2.4 million in a comprehensive physical recreation strategy will enhance recreational facilities and programs. An Active Healthy Living Framework will be created for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.

PUBLIC HEALTH RENEWAL
This year, $1.1 million in new funding will support the first phase of the renewal of the public health system based on findings from a health review, post-SARS. The goal is to develop an efficient, effective, responsible, and coordinated system that protects and enhances the health of all Nova Scotians. An additional investment of $600,000 will ensure that youth health centres continue to operate, providing vital information and resources to youth around the province.

TAKING PREVENTATIVE ACTION
While significant progress has been made in the reduction of smoking, it remains the number one cause of preventable illness and death. A further investment of $82,000 will fund community-based education and early surveillance programs to better understand the health-related costs associated with tobacco use.

Addiction prevention and treatment continues to be a priority, with $469,000 for education and support services, which will include alcohol and drug education curriculum resources for high school students.

The injury prevention strategy will expand with an investment of $255,000 to include road and helmet safety and ensure continued support for the IWK Child Safety Link.

Physical education will be a mandatory high school credit beginning in 2007–08. The province will invest $400,000 in this budget to increase the number of physical education teachers.

Note: For further 2006-07 budget information, see the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance