UPFRONT | News B.C. invests $375K to promote healthy communities Forty-nine local governments in British Columbia have received B.C. Healthy Community Capacity Building Fund grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 to assist with healthy community planning, projects and policy development. “Though B.C. is one of the healthiest provinces in Canada, we must continue to work together at all levels of govern-ment to foster health-minded citizens and communities,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “It is important for healthy living to start where we live, work, learn and play. These grants help support local govern-ments to work collaboratively within their communities to make lasting change in the health of British Columbians.” This round of grants marks the second year for the Healthy Communities Capac-ity Building Fund, which was first an-nounced in March 2013. Co-ordinated by the BC Healthy Communities Society’s PlanH progam, 38 local governments re-ceived grants of up to $5,000 and 11 local governments received grants of up to $20,000 for a total of $375,000 this year. To date, government has invested $650,000 in the Healthy Community Capacity Building Fund. “We know that by leading healthier lives we can dramatically reduce the occur-rence of chronic disease,” said Michelle Stilwell, parliamentary secretary for Healthy Living. “Whether it is quitting smoking, starting a new activity that gets you moving or having healthier eating habits, I believe that the healthier choice needs to be the easier choice and we are committed to helping communities throughout B.C. to take those important steps to support their residents.” This round of grants will help to fund a variety of projects, including: • a learning event led by the Snaw-naw-as First Nation community on food sus-tainability; • adding capacity to the Comox active travel to school program, which helps children to travel on bike or by foot safely to and from school; • welcoming new B.C. residents through the Smithers newcomers recreation and healthy eating accessibility project; • identifying gaps in youth services and expanding the services offered by the July/August 2014 Canadian Chiropractor 17 HEALTH Mission collaborative youth health practices initiative, which provides meaningful, social and healthy activities for low-income and marginalized youth; and, • creating a long-term wellness strategy for the community of Wells. “We are proud of our partnership with government to promote healthier com-munities and increase local government capacity,” said Jodi Mucha, executive di-rector, BC Healthy Communities Society. Aon Risk Solutions™ Insurance shouldn’t be a pain. Aon Healthcare Advantage protects you and your professional practice. With up to 30% lower premiums and the ability to choose from professional liability, commercial general liability, property, crime and business interruption insurance, we have you covered. We also offer insurance for additional disciplines that you may practice such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and many more, for as little as $50 each. Call us today at 1.877.766.2680 or email us at [email protected] Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. Aon Risk Solutions™ is a trademark licensed for use by Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor July August 2014: Page 17
