Health and Community Services
April 14, 2011

Funding to Support Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Management

Community groups which promote healthy living and work to address issues related to chronic disease are continuing to receive support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Seven community groups are receiving one-time funding totalling approximately $400,000 to address a number of issues including arthritis, diabetes, cancer control, tobacco use, and promotion of healthy eating.

“Our government is pleased to support organizations doing valuable work in our communities to help people live healthier lives,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. “The funding we are announcing today will not only help improve the lives of people living with chronic disease, such as diabetes and arthritis, but will also support people in making healthy lifestyle choices that will allow them to continue to be active participants in society.”

The groups receiving funding are the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Diabetes Association Newfoundland and Labrador Region, The Works, the Arthritis Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador, the Buckmasters Circle and MacMorran Community Centres, and Stella Burry Community Services. A description of the programs receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder below.

“We are committed to providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the tools and support they need to make healthy choices,” said Minister Kennedy. “That commitment is clearly evident in our investments over the last number of years in the Provincial Wellness Plan and the Provincial Wellness Grants Program. We recognize that community programs and services contribute to successfully preventing and managing chronic disease.”

The funding being provided is in addition to $700,000 that was recently awarded to 44 community groups in March 2011 through the Provincial Wellness Grants Program. The Provincial Wellness Grants Program, part of the Provincial Wellness Plan, was launched in 2005 and has awarded approximately $3.5 million to over 170 community-based projects. The Provincial Government invests $4.1 million annually in the Provincial Wellness Program.

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BACKGROUNDER
Projects Receiving One-Time Funding

Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador is receiving funding of $100,000 to build and maintain their expertise as they work towards improving access to healthy food for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is receiving $75,000 for a variety of prevention and management activities, including an awareness campaign focused on Type 2 diabetes. The funding will also help the Diabetes Association participate in self-management initiatives.

The Works
The Works, which is operated by the Memorial University Recreation Complex, is receiving $53,000 through the Provincial Cancer Control Strategy to develop an exercise program for cancer patients. The program will use an inter-disciplinary approach that brings together the expertise of physiotherapists, kinesiologists, dieticians, and an oncology team.

Arthritis Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Arthritis Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is receiving $50,000 for a public awareness campaign that makes use of social media to increase awareness of arthritis in Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding will also help the Arthritis Society in the delivery of self-management programs.

Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador
Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador is receiving $50,000 to assist them in funding their various programs and services that maximize the abilities and enhance the lives of children and youth with physical disabilities.

The Buckmasters Circle and MacMorran Community Centres
The Buckmasters Circle and MacMorran Community Centres are each receiving $21,000 for the “Nutrition Champions” pilot project. The community centres will partner with the Dietitians of Newfoundland and Labrador to provide parents with opportunities to learn about healthy eating from a registered dietitian and to enhance their food preparation skills through hands on cooking sessions.

Stella Burry Community Services
Stella Burry Community Services is receiving $25,000 to support participants in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. The funding will support the delivery of a smoking cessation program and the implementation of a diabetes education and support program.

2011 04 14                                                                               10:50 a.m.