Wellness Fund Provides Boost To Annapolis Valley Projects
HEALTH PROMOTION--Wellness Fund Provides Boost To Annapolis Valley Projects
People in the Annapolis Valley can look forward to healthier communities thanks to a financial boost of almost $39,000 to the Annapolis Valley Health Authority, from the Office of Health Promotion. Funds will be awarded to successful applicants through the area's five community health boards.
The support comes from Health Promotion's $348,000 Wellness Fund and will be directed toward projects that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, injury prevention, addiction prevention, healthy sexuality and tobacco control.
"Community health boards engage people at the local level and help create healthier communities," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Supporting the people and projects on the front line is an important part of our plan to build a healthier Nova Scotia."
The Wellness Fund helps non-profit community groups and organizations develop local health promotion and illness prevention projects and programs.
"We are pleased to receive these funds for the Wellness Initiative Fund," said Bob Fettes, the chair of the Kingston/Greenwood community health board, speaking on behalf of the Annapolis Valley Health council of community health board chairs. "Similar funds were utilized by community groups to build healthier communities."
"This is an excellent opportunity for our community health boards to once again demonstrate their capable efforts in making the most effective use of available funds," said Dave Logie, chair of the Annapolis Valley Health board of directors. "The board of directors has been particularly pleased with the results produced by similar initiatives in the past. The direct benefit to primary health care has been promptly realized and has proven to be sustainable."
The district's five community health boards will seek project proposals that address priorities identified in the community health board's May 2005 community health plans.
"We all have a role to play in achieving our vision of a healthier province. Government has a role in the public education, support for sport and recreation, and in prevention of addiction and injury. Community health boards also have an important role. They are the eyes, ears and voice of communities across the province and they make a difference at the ground level," said the minister.