The Northern Health Authority has made it its business to promote good health.
Now it wants reward community interests for their work in developing projects that improve the health and well-being of northern B.C. residents.
Applications are now being accepted for Northern Heath's IMAGINE grants available in eight categories. The program will provide close to $365,00 to successful applicants whose projects involve: healthy eating (up to $2,000 per grant); active living (up to $2,000); heart health (up to $2,000); weight and obesity prevention (up to $2,000); HIV prevention (up to $5,000); injury prevention (up to $2,000); road safety (up to $5,000) and tobacco-free lifestyle promotion (up to $1,000).
This is the fourth year of the grant program. Northern Health has shifted focus to encourage more community participation in prevention programs.
"The IMAGINE grant program is another important component of building healthy communities," said Ronald Chapman, Northern Health's chief medical officer. "There have been a lot of great initiatives come out of IMAGINE grants in the past, and we're certain 2013 will be no different."
Projects should have a good chance of continuing after funding ends and should have a broad impact on public health. Consideration will also be given to projects that: help disadvantaged or marginalized people improve access to health, help people connect to others in the community, encourage different groups to achieve common goals, and initiatives that reduce the risks and impacts of chronic illnesses and injuries through education, awareness and action.
The deadline for HIV-prevention projects is Nov. 14. Successful applicants will be notified by World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. All other applicants must submit by Nov. 30 and if selected will be notified by January.
For more information go to: www.northernhealth.ca.
