January 31, 2014 – New grants from Northern Health support communities that have ideas for projects to improve the health and well-being of their residents.
Community energy and commitment can create lasting and effective improvements to the health and well-being of those living, working, learning and playing in northern BC. With this in mind, this new grant funding is available to three separate audiences:
-
Existing Partnering for Healthier Community Committees: Designed to empower existing committees to use their local knowledge and expertise to administer small granting programs of their own for their communities. This grant will be up to $10,000 and must be requested by February 28, 2014.
-
Communities currently without a Partnering for Healthier Community Committee, but who are poised to establish one: Communities who are ready to start a committee will benefit from this grant that will support their community partnerships in their work of promoting safe and healthy citizens and communities. This grant will be up to $20,000. Application deadline is February 28, 2014.
-
Communities currently without a Partnering for Healthier Community Committee, and do not currently have the local infrastructure to create one: This grant is open to community groups and organizations that have ideas for a new project that will benefit the health of their communities. The recipients in this stream demonstrate a multi-sectoral approach to healthy community development. Expression of interest deadline is February 21, 2014. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a project work plan by March 7, 2014.
To determine which stream groups are eligible for and for more information around criteria, people are encouraged to refer to the Northern Health website.
Northern Health is committed to supporting a healthy community focus, which is embedded in the organization’s strategic plan. Northern Health is focused on partnering with community organizations, local governments and residents to support initiatives that result in healthy families, healthy workplaces, healthy schools and healthy public policy.
“By funding projects that support the development of healthy communities, we are continuing our work towards building a strong primary healthcare system – a strong focus of Northern Health’s strategic direction,” said Suzanne Johnston, Vice President, Clinical Programs & Chief Nursing Officer. “We know that health happens in communities, and it’s our goal to support communities to take control over improving health and wellness for communities in northern B.C.”
Projects should:
- Have a good chance of living on after the funding ends
- Broadly impact the community in a positive way
- Help those who are disadvantaged or marginalized improve their access to better health
- Help people connect to each other and their community
- Encourage different groups to work together toward a common goal
- Reduce the risks and impacts of chronic illnesses and injuries through education, awareness and action
Creating healthier communities is a key component of Healthy Families BC, the Province’s strategy to provide British Columbians with the tools and supports they need to live healthier lives.
Media contact: NH media line – 250-961-7724
