Prince George, B.C.- Twenty five  organizations in Prince George are among the 49 throughout the  Northern Interior to receive  an  Imagine Community Grant from Northern Health.

The grants support projects that address a community need, promote staying healthy, develop partnerships, and build capacity in communities. Some examples of the work in northern interior B.C. that will get underway as a result of these grants include:

• train-the-trainer workshop opportunities to support local resource and skill development;
• increased access to healthy foods through community garden boxes and greenhouses; physical activity opportunities and equipment purchase to encourage activity, boost independence and reduce social isolation in seniors; and
• physical activity opportunities and equipment purchase to encourage activity, boost independence and reduce social isolation in seniors.

“The IMAGINE Community Grants are a unique approach to supporting health promotion efforts in northern B.C. communities,” said Dr. Sandra Allison, Northern Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer. “We know that health happens in communities and it is inspiring to see the impact of community-driven, locally-designed health projects like those supported by this recent round of grants. Each IMAGINE Community Grant recipient is a partner in our shared goal of improving the health of northern people, families, and communities.”

In all,  $187,572 dollars  have been  delivered to the 49 different organizations.

Northern Health is pleased to announce that 49 community partners across northern interior B.C. have been awarded IMAGINE Community Grants to support projects that promote staying healthy. The community groups, schools, and organizations that have been awarded grants will be initiating grassroots projects to improve the health of those living, working, learning, and playing in northern interior B.C.

“All of us want to see improved health outcomes in our communities. IMAGINE Grants support community driven programs that are designed to encourage healthier lifestyle choices,” said Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount. “Each of the programs receiving a grant is unique but they share the important goal of improving health care outcomes in Northern BC.”

“We can never underestimate the power of community,” said Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. “Through the series of grants, we’re improving access to fresh vegetables and increasing the preference for, and knowledge of, locally-grown healthy foods.”

There will be two opportunities to obtain funding for community projects in 2016, with another cycle in early fall.