Completed Projects

Canadian Diabetes Strategy projects in Atlantic Canada

2008
2005

2008

• Attitude Makes a Difference - Atlantic
• A Collaborative Approach in Utilizing Physical Activity and Healthy Eating as a Means of Reducing the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes - Prince Edward Island
• Community Voice Talking Diabetes - Saint John, NB
• Continuing Medical Education Needs Assessment of Primary Care Physicians' Knowledge and Awareness of Pre-Diabetes Care - Atlantic
• Diabetes Type II, It Could Be You - Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
• Forums santé pour aînées et aînés francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick - New Brunswick
• Inspiring Solutions - Atlantic
  

Attitude Makes a Difference

Organization:	Atlantic Seniors Health Promotion Network
Telephone:	(902) 368-8416

Description:

Attitude Makes a Difference is a 12-month project of the Atlantic Seniors Health Promotion Network. The purpose of the project is to empower seniors in Atlantic Canada to take positive steps in dealing with type 2 diabetes and its effects. The project will identify best practices for diabetes prevention and treatment among seniors, examine how seniors cope with the disease, and identify ways to enhance prevention and treatment in an older population. Project activities include focus groups with seniors and care providers in every province and a review of current initiatives that focus specifically on diabetes among seniors.

A Collaborative Approach in Utilizing Physical Activity and Healthy Eating as a Means of Reducing the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes

Organization:	PEI Active Living Alliance
Internet Site:	www.peiactiveliving.com

Description:

A Collaborative Approach in Utilizing Physical Activity and Healthy Eating as a Means of Reducing the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes is a 12-month project sponsored by the PEI Active Living Alliance. The purpose of the project is to develop a coordinated, comprehensive, three-year plan for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in Prince Edward Island. The project will bring together members of the Healthy Eating Alliance, the PEI Active Living Alliance, the Canadian Diabetes Association of PEI, and other key stakeholders in a one-day workshop. Participants will provide feedback on a draft provincial diabetes strategy and propose actions to be carried out over the next three years. The plan will be revised accordingly and disseminated for implementation by members of the various networks.

Community Voice Talking Diabetes

Organization:	Urban Core Support Network
Telephone:	(506) 642-9033

Description:

Community Voice Talking Diabetes is a 12-month project of Saint John’s Urban Core Support Network. The purpose of the project is to explore ways of preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in vulnerable communities with high risk populations. The organization will work with 10 families from low-income neighbourhoods to identify barriers and approaches to achieving better health. The project will provide the families with support for nutritious eating, stress reduction, and physical activity. The families, in turn, will record their food expenses, food intake, and physical activity. Strategies for education and capacity building will be tested and used to develop a model that can be used in vulnerable communities across the country. Partners will use project results to influence the development of healthier public policy relating to prevention, early detection, and management of type 2 diabetes.

Continuing Medical Education Needs Assessment of Primary Care Physicians' Knowledge and Awareness of Pre-Diabetes Care

Organization:	Dalhousie University, Continuing Medical Education
Internet Site:	cme.medicine.dal.ca

Description:

Continuing Medical Education Needs Assessment of Primary Care Physicians' Knowledge and Awareness of Pre-Diabetes Care is a 12-month project of Dalhousie University’s Office of Continuing Medical Education. The purpose of the project is to identify the information needs of family physicians in Atlantic Canada in the area of risk identification and management of pre-diabetes. The group will conduct a needs assessment consisting of a literature review, a physician survey, and focus groups in each of the four Atlantic provinces. Results of the needs assessment will be used to develop a plan for continuing medical education related to pre-diabetes. Project results will be disseminated through professional Web sites, newsletters, journals, and presentations.

Diabetes Type II, It Could Be You

Organization:	Central Regional Health Authority
Telephone:	(709) 489-8184

Description:

Diabetes Type II, It Could Be You is a 12-month project of the Central Regional Health Authority of Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the project is to increase public understanding of type 2 diabetes prevention, as a first step towards developing a chronic disease management strategy for central Newfoundland. The Health Authority will host education sessions for health care providers and key stakeholders in 10 districts, as a means of identifying needs, increasing awareness of type 2 diabetes, mobilizing community resources, and building partnerships. To increase public awareness, the sponsor will conduct a social marketing campaign and produce a children’s storybook.

Forums santé pour aînées et aînés francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick

Organization:	L'Association acadienne et francophone des aînées et aînés du Nouveau-Brunswick
Internet Site:	www.aafanb.org

Description:

Forums santé pour aînées et aînés francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick (english translation here) is a 12-month project of L'Association acadienne et francophone des aînées et aînés du Nouveau-Brunswick (english translation here). The purpose of the project is to increase awareness of type 2 diabetes among Francophone seniors. The Association will host 12 seniors’ health forums throughout Francophone New Brunswick, with close to 200 seniors expected at each forum. Diabetes awareness and prevention will be a focus of these events. Educational portions of the health forum will be recorded on DVD for later distribution through seniors’ organizations.

Inspiring Solutions

Organization:	Community Health Promotion Network Atlantic
Internet Site:	www.chpna.ca

Description:

Inspiring Solutions is a 12-month project of the Community Health Promotion Network Atlantic. The project will support the development of provincial strategies for the management of type 2 diabetes and chronic disease more broadly, with a particular focus on self-management. The Network will host a symposium in each of the four Atlantic provinces, providing opportunities for diabetes and chronic disease stakeholders to share information, strengthen relationships, and work towards provincial strategies. In Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, stakeholders will come together for the first time to examine self-management strategies developed elsewhere and to begin discussions that can eventually lead to provincial strategies. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, where strategy-development has already begun, the symposia will engage a broader range of participants in furthering the work. Ultimately, the project is expected to increase knowledge about diabetes and self-management options for chronic disease.

2005

• Addressing Inequity and Chronic Disease in PEI - Prince Edward Island
• Annapolis Valley Regional Health Promoting School Project
• Building on Our Strengths - "Knowing What's Good for Me"
• Chronic Disease and Social Inequities: A Provincial Workshop to Explore the Relationship and Seek Solutions - St. John's, NL
• Family Active Living Initiative - West Prince, PE
• Healthy Choices for Worksites
• Healthy EATS (Eating at School) Project - Prince Edward Island
• Implantation de comités de santé comme moteur d'une démarche vers la santé des jeunes francophones de la 4 à 8^ième année de la région de santé publique 6 du N.-B.
• Je prends ma santé en main!
• Leaders Among Us: Building Capacity for Health with Family Resource Centres
• Strengthening Program Delivery on Diabetes Prevention & Control for Black Citizens in Pictou County - New Glasgow, NS
• Supporting Health in the Old North End - Saint John, NB
• Vivre la santé des personnes aînées - Prince Edward Island

Addressing Inequity and Chronic Disease in PEI

Organization:	Prince Edward Island Active Living Alliance
Internet Site:	www.peiactiveliving.com

Description:

This project is designed to increase awareness and action around the connections between social inequities and chronic disease.The group will organize a series of workshops for representatives of government, community, and business sector organizations that share an interest in chronic disease prevention. These workshops will include presentations and provide opportunities for facilitated discussion about ways to address these issues.

Annapolis Valley Regional Health Promoting School Project

Organization:

Port Williams Nutrition for Health Association

Description:

Annapolis Valley Regional Health Promoting School Project was a 30-month initiative of the Port Williams Nutrition for Health Association, an incorporated society of parents and teachers of the Port Williams Elementary School. The project built on both the healthy food program developed at Port Williams Elementary and the physical activity program developed at Somerset and District Elementary. The goals of the project were to expand both these programs into the five elementary schools and three middle/junior high schools in the Annapolis Valley and to develop a physical activity policy for the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. Workshops were held in each school to identify opportunities and resources for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. The group provided training for school staff, distributed a nutrition newsletter, and developed a school curriculum on healthy eating and physical activity. The group shared what they learned with others by developing and disseminating a "How to" manual.

Building on Our Strengths - "Knowing What's Good for Me"

Organization	Seniors Resource Centre Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
Internet Site:	www.seniorsresource.ca

Description:

Building on Our Strengths was a 30-month project of the St. John's Seniors Resource Centre, a non-profit organization that has become the central resource and reference point for seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project's goal was to raise awareness and understanding about how to prevent type 2 diabetes. Activities were specifically targeted to the province's elderly population, which is made up of people who live in small, rural, or outport communities and who have limited access to prevention information. The project enabled the Centre to recruit and train senior volunteers to deliver a series of workshops for seniors and community agencies in at least one community in each of the province's six regions. Working groups were created in each region to continue to promote prevention awareness and supportive communities after the project ended.

Chronic Disease and Social Inequities: A Provincial Workshop to Explore the Relationship and Seek Solutions

Organization:

Canadian Diabetes Association Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Description:

This project aims to increase understanding of the relationship between social inequity and chronic disease among provincial organizations interested in diabetes prevention. The group will host a two-day provincial workshop that will feature presentations and facilitated discussions. The priorities and solutions identified in the workshop will form the basis of an action plan, which will be incorporated into the provincial diabetes framework and the Provincial Chronic Disease Management Model.

Family Active Living Initiative

Organization:

Rural Community Learning Inc.

Description:

Family Active Living Initiative was a 24-month project of Rural Community Learning Incorporated, a community-based organization that works on issues relating to employment, education, health, and wellness in the West Prince region of Prince Edward Island. The purpose of the project was to encourage active lifestyles. Under the guidance of a broadly based advisory committee, the project began by gathering information on the beliefs, values, and practices of families regarding physical activity. The group then used this information to develop a long-term plan to increase active living among lower- to middle-income families in the region. The plan included information materials on physical activity and nutrition as well as physical activity programs for children and parents. The group also worked with community health and recreation professionals to increase their ability to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Healthy Choices for Worksites

Organization:	Heart and Stroke Foundation of Prince Edward Island
Internet Site:	www.heartandstroke.pe.ca

Description:

Healthy Choices for Worksites was a 30-month project of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Prince Edward Island, in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Division of the Canadian Diabetes Association and other partners. The project was aimed at developing a model for creating workplace policies and programs that support healthy employee lifestyles. The group worked with staff and management of a pilot work site. Together they determined how their workplace enhances or inhibits lifestyle choices, using a wellness survey that assessed diabetes risk factors and workplace barriers. Employees and managers then worked together to develop and implement creative strategies to reduce these barriers and improve employee health.

Healthy EATS (Eating at School) Project

Organization:

University of Prince Edward Island

Description:

This project aims to promote the adoption of healthy eating policies in Island schools. The group will produce a peer education manual and a resource on implementing school nutrition policies. Both resources will be pilot tested in Island schools. Project activities also include a series of healthy eating policy bulletins and regular meetings for schools to share ideas for promoting school nutrition.

Implantation de comités de santé comme moteur d'une démarche vers la santé des jeunes francophones de la 4 à 8^ième année de la région de santé publique 6 du N.-B.

Organization:

Santé publique de Bathurst

Description:

Implantation de comités de santé comme moteur d'une démarche vers la santé des jeunes francophones de la 4 à 8^ième année de la région de santé publique 6 du N.-B. ("Establishment of health committees as the driving force in promoting the health of young francophones in grades 4 to 8 in public health area 6 in New Brunswick") was an initiative of the Réseau communauté en Santé - Bathurst ("Bathurst Healthy Community Network"), a partnership of many organizations devoted to promoting the health of citizens in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The goal of this 21-month project was to enable young people aged 9 to 14 to take personal control of their lifestyles. The Réseau created health committees in four francophone schools in Bathurst and the Acadian Peninsula (School Districts 7 and 9). The majority of committee members were students. With support from a community development worker, members worked together to identify solutions to problems such as inactivity, obesity, and poor food choices. These committees were expected to be established in every school of the two school districts and to continue after the project ended.

Je prends ma santé en main!

Organization:

Association des femmes acadiennes et francophones de l'Î;le-du-Prince-É;douard

Description:

Je prends ma santé en main! ("I'm taking charge of my health!"), was an initiative of the Association des femmes acadiennes et francophones de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, a non-profit organization that works to promote the well-being of Acadian and francophone women in Prince Edward Island. The target population for this 30-month partnership project included Acadians and francophones, especially those who either received very little schooling or attended English schools. The project aimed to provide information and increase French literacy among this target population. The Association identified barriers to healthy eating and regular physical activity. They then organized a diabetes-prevention campaign including a video, community kitchens, education sessions, and guided supermarket tours. The sponsors obtained additional funding for this project from other federal funding agencies.

Leaders Among Us: Building Capacity for Health with Family Resource Centres

Organization:	Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
Internet Site:	www.heartandstroke.ns.ca

Description:

Leaders Among Us was a 30-month partnership project of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. The project aimed to reduce the barriers that women who use family resource centres face when trying to access healthy lifestyle programs. In an earlier project, the partnership developed a training program on healthy eating and physical activity which was pilot-tested in six family resource centres. The current project extended that training program to family resource centres across the province through a train-the-trainer approach. The group developed and delivered a leadership training program for women from the resource centres. It included information about type 2 diabetes, nutrition and fitness, group dynamics, leadership skills, and program development. To ensure that the work continued after the funding ended, the training taught women both to deliver the program and to develop future leaders.

Strengthening Program Delivery on Diabetes Prevention & Control for Black Citizens in Pictou County

Organization:

Pictou County Women's Centre

Description:

This project will develop a culturally sensitive diabetes prevention program for African Nova Scotians. Project partners will develop, deliver, and evaluate the program with Black women in Pictou County. Should the program prove successful, it will be sustained by the local diabetes education centre. A presentation package will be developed to encourage other Nova Scotia communities and health authorities to adopt the program.

Supporting Health in the Old North End

Organization:

ONE Change

Description:

This project aims to increase understanding about the relationship between inequities and chronic disease in the North End of Saint John, so as to improve services related to diabetes prevention in the area. The group and its partners will examine the reality of low-income and isolated families through interviews with a few families and focus groups with the wider community. The report will be shared with the community and interested organizations.

Vivre la santé des personnes aînées

Organization:

Les Francophones de l'âge d'or l'Î.-P.-É.

Description:

This project will promote healthy living among Acadians and francophone seniors on the Island. The group will encourage organizations that serve Acadians and francophones to include programs for seniors as part of their regular healthy living programming. They will also initiate and pilot test their own healthy living programs for seniors. Successful programs will be sustained by the sponsoring organization after the project ends.