2008-30February 18, 2008For immediate release
ST. JOHN'S, NL - Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today announced almost $1,000,000 in community-based investments to improve the health and well-being of some of Newfoundland and Labrador's most vulnerable populations.
A range of initiatives were announced to help reduce smoking rates among seniors, skilled labourers and service industry personnel, as well as to help tackle pressing Aboriginal health issues such as high smoking rates, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), diabetes and community-based health planning.
"I congratulate the people who have worked diligently to bring these important initiatives to fruition," said Minister Hearn. "Together with our provincial and community partners, I'm confident the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will continue to improve."
"The Government of Canada is proud to continue to make targeted investments to improve the health and well-being of some of this province's most vulnerable populations," said Minister Clement. "Our government remains committed to investing in these types of community-based initiatives, they add to the health and quality of life of the people of this province."
The following projects are being funded:
The Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $205,000 to help reduce smoking rates among seniors.
The Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $112,000 to assist blue collar and service industry workplaces develop comprehensive smoking cessation strategies.
The Nunatsiavut Government's Department of Health and Social Development will receive about $44,000 to help Nunatsiavut's Inuit quit smoking and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
Through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, over $273,000 is being provided to enhance the capacity of the Labrador Innu and Inuit communities and their provincially funded partners to provide intervention services to FASD-affected children, their families, and other caregivers.
Also through this Fund, over $168,000 will support the development of a plan for integrated community based health services involving the Innu and Inuit of Labrador and the Labrador Grenfell Regional Health Authority.
Through Health Canada's Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, over $136,000 will support the Government of Nunatsiavut's Community Diabetes Prevention Worker Training.
These projects will help improve the health and quality of life for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media Enquiries:
Media Relations(613) 957-2983
Laryssa WalerOffice of the Honourable Tony ClementFederal Minister of Health(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-29911-866 225-0709
