BC Healthy Living Alliance
Encyclopedia
The BC Healthy Living Alliance (BCHLA) is the largest coalition of health leaders in British Columbia
’s history. Collectively, BCHLA members capture the attention of over 40,000 volunteers, 4,300 health and recreation professionals, and 184 local governments across British Columbia. As a non-partisan
advocacy group, the BCHLA works with government and holds them accountable to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease.
In 2006, after publishing The Winning Legacy advocacy paper, the Government of BC
provided BCHLA with a $25 million grant to implement initiatives across the province that would support the achievement of the targets outlined in the paper. The initiatives, which focus on healthy eating
, physical activity
, tobacco reduction, and community capacity building are now underway in over 105 communities across British Columbia. As they continue to early 2010, BCHLA is continually working closely with ActNow BC and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport along with many other community partners.
The Alliance continues its policy work and has developed a discussion paper, Healthy Futures for BC Families, on the social issues that can impede or enhance the healthy of a society. These issues include access to: affordable housing
, early childhood development and care, income and food security
, and supportive environments.
In March 2006, the Alliance received "a one-time grant of $25.2 million to pursue recommendations outlined in their report, "The Winning Legacy - A plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010." Health Minister George Abbott had said, “We are supporting programs that promote healthy living and prevent illness in our society. Research tells us that four risk factors are the major causes of our most common chronic diseases. Lifestyle choices about nutrition, exercise, tobacco use and healthy choices during pregnancy can make a real difference in our own health, and in the sustainability of the entire health-care system.”
While the Alliance recognizes there is a wide range of chronic diseases, their primary focus is on the common risk factors and underlying determinants that contribute significantly to cancer
, cardiovascular disease
, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
Currently, the BC Healthy Living Alliance comprises nine member organizations. The first group of major non-governmental organization
s that are involved in the prevention of chronic diseases include: The BC Lung Association, Canadian Diabetes Association Pacific
, Heart & Stroke Foundation
of BC and Yukon, and the Canadian Cancer Society
, BC and Yukon Division.
The second group of members is organizations with direct links to local governments and communities. These members are the Union of BC Municipalities and BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Thirdly, BCHLA includes members of key health and wellness professionals. Dietitians of Canada BC Region
, BC Pediatric Society, and the Public Health Association of BC are all members of the Alliance.
In addition, the BCHLA has advisory representation from government related bodies including: BC Health Authorities, 2010 Legacies Now, Public Health Agency of Canada
, Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, and ActNow BC.
on March 3, 2005. It is a “plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010 by simultaneous improvements in four risk factors of tobacco use, unhealthy weights, unhealthy eating, and physical inactivity."
The Winning Legacy explains that much of the chronic disease burden in the province is preventable by addressing these factors. BCHLA estimated that “these risk factors cost the B.C. economy approximately $3.8 billion annually”. Caring for British Columbians with acute and chronic health conditions is using up an increasing proportion of government expenditures. This position paper presents 27 recommendations that addressed the aforementioned lifestyle risk factors related to chronic disease. In particular, these recommendations were summarized and divided into the following categories: Regulatory and Economic Interventions, Community-Based Interventions, School-Based Interventions, Workplace-Based Interventions, Clinical Interventions and Management, Specific Populations, and Surveillance, Evaluations, and other Administrative Costs. The Winning Legacy was estimated to cost $1.1 billion over a period of 6 years, which equals $41 per year for each British Columbian.
If these are achieved by 2010, the results would equate to: 225,00 fewer British Columbians smoking, additional 948,000 British Columbians eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, additional 351,000 British Columbians becoming physically active, and a total of 349,000 British Columbians who would achieve a healthy weight.
, British Columbia
. The following three regional forums in the Interior, North, and Vancouver Island were held early 2009. The Interior Region discussion took place on February 13, 2009 in Williams Lake
, with videoconferencing sites in Cranbrook
, Kamloops, Kelowna
, and Trail
. Prince George
was the main location for the March 12 North forum, which also hosted videoconferencing to Burns Lake
, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John
, Smithers
, Terrace
, Prince Rupert
, and Queen Charlotte City. The last Healthy Futures for BC Families policy discussion was on March 25, 2009 in the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island
.
The forums were intended to gain local perspectives from “health, government, academia, business, and Aboriginal communities” regarding the social issues affecting health and to seek solutions to improve these social conditions. Mary Collins
, the Director of the BC Healthy Living Alliance Secretariat, said “research indicates access to income, employment, affordable housing, healthy food, education and early childhood development supports have a greater influence on the physical and mental healthy and life expectancy of British Columbians than genetics or any other single factor.” In June 2008, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones
, stated in a report to Parliament
that combating poverty, especially amongst the youth, is key to improving Canadians’ physical and mental health.
After gathering information from the different regions across the province, the Alliance will produce their final report in the following months. The final report will be presented to the provincial and federal government, health authorities, and other community leaders.
The Canadian Cancer Society is working to build a stronger foundation for a healthier community, which is created by:
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
’s history. Collectively, BCHLA members capture the attention of over 40,000 volunteers, 4,300 health and recreation professionals, and 184 local governments across British Columbia. As a non-partisan
Nonpartisan (American organizations)
A nonpartisan organization, in American politics, is a non-profit organization organized under United States Internal Revenue Code that qualifies for tax-exempt status because it refrains from engaging in certain prohibited political activities...
advocacy group, the BCHLA works with government and holds them accountable to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease.
In 2006, after publishing The Winning Legacy advocacy paper, the Government of BC
Executive Council of British Columbia
The Executive Council of British Columbia is the cabinet of that Canadian province....
provided BCHLA with a $25 million grant to implement initiatives across the province that would support the achievement of the targets outlined in the paper. The initiatives, which focus on healthy eating
Healthy diet
A healthy diet is one that helps maintain or improve general health. It is important for lowering many chronic health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. A healthy diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of all essential nutrients and an adequate amount of...
, physical activity
Physical exercise
Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, as well as for the purpose of...
, tobacco reduction, and community capacity building are now underway in over 105 communities across British Columbia. As they continue to early 2010, BCHLA is continually working closely with ActNow BC and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport along with many other community partners.
The Alliance continues its policy work and has developed a discussion paper, Healthy Futures for BC Families, on the social issues that can impede or enhance the healthy of a society. These issues include access to: affordable housing
Affordable housing
Affordable housing is a term used to describe dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed "affordable" to those that have a median income. Although the term is often applied to rental housing that is within the financial means of those in the lower income ranges of a geographical area, the...
, early childhood development and care, income and food security
Food security
Food security refers to the availability of food and one's access to it. A household is considered food-secure when its occupants do not live in hunger or fear of starvation. According to the World Resources Institute, global per capita food production has been increasing substantially for the past...
, and supportive environments.
Background
The Alliance was formed in February 2003 with a mission to lead collaborative actions to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and living smoke-free in order to improve the overall health of British Columbians.In March 2006, the Alliance received "a one-time grant of $25.2 million to pursue recommendations outlined in their report, "The Winning Legacy - A plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010." Health Minister George Abbott had said, “We are supporting programs that promote healthy living and prevent illness in our society. Research tells us that four risk factors are the major causes of our most common chronic diseases. Lifestyle choices about nutrition, exercise, tobacco use and healthy choices during pregnancy can make a real difference in our own health, and in the sustainability of the entire health-care system.”
Mission
"To improve the health of British Columbians through leadership that enhances collaborative action to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and living smoke-free."While the Alliance recognizes there is a wide range of chronic diseases, their primary focus is on the common risk factors and underlying determinants that contribute significantly to cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
, cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels . While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system , it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis...
, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
Goals
To reduce chronic disease in B.C., the Alliance has developed three specific goals:- Advocate for and support health promoting policies, environments, programs, and services.
- Enhance collaboration among government, non-government and private sector organization.
- Increase capacity of communities to create and sustain health promoting policies, environment, programs, and services.
Members
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
s that are involved in the prevention of chronic diseases include: The BC Lung Association, Canadian Diabetes Association Pacific
Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is an organization based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its mission is to lead the fight against diabetes mellitus by helping Canadians with diabetes live healthy lives while work is continued to find a cure...
, Heart & Stroke Foundation
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. The foundation's purpose is centered around educating individuals about the prevention and management of heart disease and stroke, and to fund medical research regarding the causes of these conditions...
of BC and Yukon, and the Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based charitable organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of those living with the disease....
, BC and Yukon Division.
The second group of members is organizations with direct links to local governments and communities. These members are the Union of BC Municipalities and BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Thirdly, BCHLA includes members of key health and wellness professionals. Dietitians of Canada BC Region
Dietitians of Canada
Dietitians of Canada is the professional organization and "nation-wide voice of dietitians in Canada". They claim to be the most trusted source of information on food and nutrition for Canadians. DC brings brings the knowledge and skills of its members together to informdecisions that affect...
, BC Pediatric Society, and the Public Health Association of BC are all members of the Alliance.
In addition, the BCHLA has advisory representation from government related bodies including: BC Health Authorities, 2010 Legacies Now, Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada is an agency of the Government of Canada that is responsible for public health, emergency preparedness, and response and infectious and chronic disease control and prevention...
, Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, and ActNow BC.
Advocacy
The BC Healthy Living Alliance “advocates for and supports health-promoting policies, environments, programs and services so that British Columbians have opportunities to be healthy.” In particular, the BCHLA have written two evidence-based papers.The Winning Legacy
The B.C. Risk Factor Intervention Plan, which the BCHLA calls The Winning Legacy, was initially presented to Premier Gordon Campbell and the BC GovernmentExecutive Council of British Columbia
The Executive Council of British Columbia is the cabinet of that Canadian province....
on March 3, 2005. It is a “plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010 by simultaneous improvements in four risk factors of tobacco use, unhealthy weights, unhealthy eating, and physical inactivity."
The Winning Legacy explains that much of the chronic disease burden in the province is preventable by addressing these factors. BCHLA estimated that “these risk factors cost the B.C. economy approximately $3.8 billion annually”. Caring for British Columbians with acute and chronic health conditions is using up an increasing proportion of government expenditures. This position paper presents 27 recommendations that addressed the aforementioned lifestyle risk factors related to chronic disease. In particular, these recommendations were summarized and divided into the following categories: Regulatory and Economic Interventions, Community-Based Interventions, School-Based Interventions, Workplace-Based Interventions, Clinical Interventions and Management, Specific Populations, and Surveillance, Evaluations, and other Administrative Costs. The Winning Legacy was estimated to cost $1.1 billion over a period of 6 years, which equals $41 per year for each British Columbian.
Targets
The key targets that were outlined in the paper are:- 9 out of 10 British Columbians will not smoke
- 7 out of 10 British Columbians will eat at least five servings of vegetables or fruit per day
- 7 out of 10 British Columbians will be physically active
- 7 out of 10 British Columbians will be at a healthy weight
If these are achieved by 2010, the results would equate to: 225,00 fewer British Columbians smoking, additional 948,000 British Columbians eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, additional 351,000 British Columbians becoming physically active, and a total of 349,000 British Columbians who would achieve a healthy weight.
Healthy Futures for BC Families
The most recent paper, Healthy Futures for BC Families, was written in 2008 and highlights policy options that address the underlying social determinants of health and health inequities. The social determinants of health include: early childhood development, education, housing, supportive environments, and income and food security).Discussions
A series of policy discussion forums were held across the province to discuss the social issues affecting health. The first forum was held on October 2, 2008 in VancouverVancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. The following three regional forums in the Interior, North, and Vancouver Island were held early 2009. The Interior Region discussion took place on February 13, 2009 in Williams Lake
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Williams Lake, is a city in the Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Located in the central part of a region known as the Cariboo, it is the largest urban centre between Kamloops and Prince George, with a population of 11,150 in city limits....
, with videoconferencing sites in Cranbrook
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Cranbrook, British Columbia is a city in southeast British Columbia, located on the west side of the Kootenay River at its confluence with the St. Mary's River, It is the largest urban centre in the region known as the East Kootenay. As of 2006, Cranbrook's population is 18,267, and the...
, Kamloops, Kelowna
Kelowna
Kelowna is a city on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Its name derives from a Okanagan language term for "grizzly bear"...
, and Trail
Trail, British Columbia
Trail is a city in the West Kootenay region of the Interior of British Columbia, Canada.-Geography:Trail has an area of . The city is located on both banks of the Columbia River, approximately 10 km north of the United States border. This section of the Columbia River valley is located between the...
. Prince George
Prince George, British Columbia
Prince George, with a population of 71,030 , is the largest city in northern British Columbia, Canada, and is known as "BC's Northern Capital"...
was the main location for the March 12 North forum, which also hosted videoconferencing to Burns Lake
Burns Lake, British Columbia
thumb|309px|right|Burns Lake's welcome signBurns Lake is a rural village in the North-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923...
, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John
Fort St. John, British Columbia
The City of Fort St. John is a city in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. A member municipality of the Peace River Regional District, the city covers an area of about 22 km² with 22,000 residents . Located at Mile 47, it is one of the largest cities along the Alaska Highway. Originally...
, Smithers
Smithers, British Columbia
Smithers is a town located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, approximately halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Smithers is located in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako....
, Terrace
Terrace, British Columbia
Terrace is a city on the Skeena River in British Columbia, Canada. The Kitselas people, a tribe of the Tsimshian Nation, have lived in the Terrace area for thousands of years. The community population fell between 2001 and 2006 from 12,109 with a regional population of 19,980 to 11,320 and...
, Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Prince Rupert is a port city in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is the land, air, and water transportation hub of British Columbia's North Coast, and home to some 12,815 people .-History:...
, and Queen Charlotte City. The last Healthy Futures for BC Families policy discussion was on March 25, 2009 in the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a large island in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of several North American locations named after George Vancouver, the British Royal Navy officer who explored the Pacific Northwest coast of North America between 1791 and 1794...
.
The forums were intended to gain local perspectives from “health, government, academia, business, and Aboriginal communities” regarding the social issues affecting health and to seek solutions to improve these social conditions. Mary Collins
Mary Collins
Mary Collins, PC is a former Canadian politician.She was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the 1984 federal election as the Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Capilano, British Columbia....
, the Director of the BC Healthy Living Alliance Secretariat, said “research indicates access to income, employment, affordable housing, healthy food, education and early childhood development supports have a greater influence on the physical and mental healthy and life expectancy of British Columbians than genetics or any other single factor.” In June 2008, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones
David Butler-Jones
Dr. David Butler-Jones is the current Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. He is the first person to hold the office. The Chief Public Health Officer is the head of the Public Health Agency of Canada.- Biography :...
, stated in a report to Parliament
Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada is the federal legislative branch of Canada, seated at Parliament Hill in the national capital, Ottawa. Formally, the body consists of the Canadian monarch—represented by her governor general—the Senate, and the House of Commons, each element having its own officers and...
that combating poverty, especially amongst the youth, is key to improving Canadians’ physical and mental health.
After gathering information from the different regions across the province, the Alliance will produce their final report in the following months. The final report will be presented to the provincial and federal government, health authorities, and other community leaders.
Healthy Eating
Education and access to nutritious foods are key when it comes to healthy eating. Thus, the goal of the Healthy Eating Strategy is “to make healthy food more readily available and provide BC families with the skills and knowledge necessary for making sound snack and meal choices.”Healthy Food and Beverages at School, Work, and Play
Dietitians of Canada, BC Region is the organization lead for supporting the implementation of the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools. Co-leads BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Union of BC Municipalities ensure local government building and recreation facilities receive support to make vital changes to their food and beverage selections.Farm to School Salad Bar
This initiative is led by the Public Health Association of BC. In this program schools pair up with farms achieve the ultimate goal of the Farm to School Salad Bar initiative, which is: “To improve the health of school children by increasing access to locally grown, nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods in at least 12 schools within the northern and interior regions.”Food Skills for Families
The Canadian Diabetes Association is the organization lead for this initiative. Recognizing the challenge that some families with limited incomes or without the basic information about how to cook healthy meals, this food skills program is tailored to the needs of vulnerable families. The program will help families builds the skills necessary for choosing and preparing healthy food. Phase One of the programs ended in December 2008 and saw 26 programs delivered across BC through host agencies. Starting in January to March 2009, Phase Two showed the beginning of 55 programs.Sip Smart!
The BC Pediatric Society and the Heart and Stoke Foundation of BC and Yukon are the co-leads for this initiative. This educational program is aimed at elementary schools and includes “innovative resource materials and a teacher-friendly learning module”. The program will help families builds the skills necessary for choosing and preparing healthy food. Sip Smart! attempts to teach kids why it is important to drink less sugary drinks and so when they are thirsty, they reach for healthier thirst-quenchers. “By May 2009, the facilitated program will have been delivered in more than 25 communities to more than 230 classrooms, involving well over 6000 students.”Physical Activity
The goal of the Physical Activity Strategy is “to improve the health of British Columbian through leadership that enhances community action to promote physical activity, with a targeted focus on inactive 35-54 year olds.” In particular, BC parents can influence their children and help them walk more. Funding for this strategy is provided by the BCHLA with support from ActNow BC. All the initiatives of the Physical Activity Strategy are led by the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.Walk BC
“Walking is an easy form of physical activity for most people and regular walking can lead to long term lifestyle changes and health benefits.” This initiative aims to provide support to encourage people to walk regularly by working with communities to develop local walking programs for groups and individuals. Walk BC grants are available as funding opportunities for communities to start or enhance walking programs for inactive adults.Everybody Active
This BCRPA and Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon initiative “promotes increased access to physical activity opportunities by coordinating province-wide resource, facilitating community collaboration, and advocating for increased awareness and policy development.” It aims to remove barriers to participation and increase physical activity among individuals who live with lower incomes and face multiple challenges. The BC Healthy Living Alliance believes that “when it comes to physical activity, income should not determine who gets to play.”Community Based Awareness Initiative
This initiative intends to “raise awareness and promote local opportunities for physical activity so that people can act on what they have learned from campaigns like ActNow and ParticipACTION.” Public awareness grants are available to assist communities in implementing the Community Based Awareness (CBA) marketing program. In particular, this funding helps supports the implementation of the Marketing Action Plan (M.A.P.).Built Environment and Active Transportation Initiative
The way building, parks, and transportation are designed make up the built environment which may encourage or discourage physical activity and determines whether a community promotes healthy living. The BEAT initiative aims to provide safe opportunities for walking and cycling and help build physically active neighbourhoods.Tobacco Reduction
The Tobacco Reduction Strategy aims to reach out to “young adults at work, school, in the community and at home.” Specifically, the goal is to decrease tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke in these settings. The planning lead organization for this strategy is the BC Lung Association and participating members are the Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon Division, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon.Tobacco-Free Workplace Initiative
This initiative is led by the Canadian Cancer Society and is directed to young workers ages 19 to 29 in the workplace. The aim is to work with “employers, unions, and industry health and safety associations to create environments that support tobacco-free employees and assist those who have or want to quit.” Forums are also organized in partnership with WorkSafe BC to discuss the impact of tobacco use in the workplace.Tobacco-Free Post Secondary Initiative
The BC Lung Association leads this initiative in the BCHLA’s support of tobacco-free campuses. The key objectives include: “ensuring protection from tobacco marketing, enacting tobacco-free policies, developing cessation resources for students and faculty, and educating trade students on tobacco as a health and safety issue in the workplace.”Community Outreach Initiatives
Both the BC Lung Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation are working together on the Community Outreach Initiatives. Within this, the Community Detailing Initiatives engages businesses and community organizations where young adults spend their leisure time, including bars, restaurants, and malls, to promote cessation resources. Secondly, the Smoke-Free Housing in Multi-Unit Dwellings Initiative aims to work with housing providers to increase the number of smoke-free living spaces; since some British Columbians are still exposed to second-hand smoke entering their homes from neighbouring units.Targeted Education Campaign
The Heart and Stroke is working with professors of senior level marketing classes to challenge students to design a multi-media tobacco education campaign. This campaign should reach the media-savvy young adults and the winners will see their campaign tested, developed, and launched.Community Capacity Building
“Capacity building engages people to make their community a healthier and more vibrant place.” Building capacity means developing the potential for people to improve and respond to the needs of their own community. It relies on key members of the community and so a Community Capacity Facilitator oversees a region and works to establish and support networks among regional partners. Between regions, the goal is to connect people so they can share information, success stories, and best practices. Community Development Leaders then will “work on the ground with people to help them embrace the places where they live.” They will work to increase capacity within communities that are at risk (for unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, and tobacco use) which will help reduce health disparities.The Canadian Cancer Society is working to build a stronger foundation for a healthier community, which is created by:
- Developing the potential for people to improve and respond to the needs of their own community.
- Relying on key members of the community.
- Making grants available to high-risk communities to support projects that build capacity in line with BCHLA targets.
- Offering communities tools, training and skill development that reflect regional needs and priorities – engaging stakeholder, supporting leadership development and providing resources to address local issues.