Rural communities are being offered new resources to promote health and wellness. Until the end of the week, Alberta Health Services will be accepting expressions of interest for their Thrive on Wellness grant.
Successful applicants could be offered up to $20,000 from the Alberta Cancer Foundation to help support their health and wellness initiative.
“We know healthy eating and active lifestyles reduce the risk of major health threats like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Research shows that community actions and creating supportive environments can dramatically increase wellness and decrease the risk of these diseases. The whole goal of the program is to support communities so people can live healthier lives,” said AHS Thrive on Wellness manager, Monica Schwann.
The Thrive on Wellness program provides resources, expertise, and the grant to help get a health and wellness initiative off the ground.
“Basically, any program you can present that has health or wellness benefits is eligible,” said Tara Grindle, with AHS communications.
Some examples of previous recipients of the grant include a community walking program in Grande Cache, a program to help lower income families have access to recreational activities, and a wellness fair.
“It’s pretty wide open. I think communities can be quite creative and innovative with what they need in their community,” said Grindle.
Interested community groups can find more information and fill out an expression of interest at www.thriveonwellness.ca. The deadline to express interest is July 29.