EAST HANTS/FALL RIVER: Community health boards (CHBs) across Nova Scotia are simplifying their Wellness Fund Proposal process to accommodate community groups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our communities will face huge challenges on the back end of this crisis that we may not even imagine at this point, and there will surely be impacts no one expected”, stated Geoff Wilson, Director of Public Engagement supporting Community Health Boards.
Wilson finished by saying, “how we rebound, and in which direction at what speed, will influence the shape of things to come for many years.”
For the 2020-21 Wellness Fund cycle, community groups can apply for Wellness Fund amounts up to $10,000. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their CHB coordinators if they have any questions surrounding the proposal guidelines.
Wellness Funds are intended to support new and innovative projects that:
- advance CHB priorities
- use a population health-based approach in addressing the social determinants of health
- address issues arising from COVID-19 for 2020/2021 cycle
“Wellness Funds are open to non-profit community groups undertaking projects that address our community health plan priorities,” explained Caitlyn Ayn, co-chair of the Halifax CHB. “We accept proposals from projects that address the social determinants of health, so that we can promote health for the whole community.”
Addressing social determinants of health and supporting projects that do so is a key part of the work done by CHBs.
“The social determinants of health include healthy child development, education and literacy, poverty and food security, social support networks, coping skills, improved personal health and more,” added Fearghus MacDonald, co-chair of the Antigonish Town and County CHB. “We look forward to receiving and reviewing this year’s Wellness Fund proposals.”
There are 37 CHBs across the province. Groups can apply to more than one CHB if their project occurs in more than one CHB area within the same proposal. It is possible that not all projects submitted will receive funds, as CHBs frequently receive more proposals than available funds, but all eligible groups are encouraged to apply.
Proposals and additional information are available on the CHB website at www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/wellness-funds.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
