The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has announced Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) as the recipient of its Award for Excellence in Health Promotion. The award recognizes individuals and organizations from outside the health sector who have made a significant contribution toward a healthy population and a healthy community.
Every day Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) provides health and physical activity programs, support and encouragement to more than 200,000 young people and families in about 650 communities, including the Battlefords. This organization helps children and youth adopt lifestyle choices that lead to enhanced physical, mental, social and educational well-being.
"Instilling positive, healthy behaviours in young people is at the heart of what Boys and Girls Clubs do, so we're delighted to be recognized nationally by the CMA as a leader of health promotion," said Pam Jolliffe, president and chief executive officer at Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "This award is a terrific recognition for our commitment to helping young Canadians adopt healthy lifestyle choices and realize their full potential."
BGCC has initiated several programs to encourage active living and eating well. Cool Moves, for children aged 8-12, tackles poor eating habits and inactivity. The Get BUSY program fights inactivity and childhood obesity by getting young people involved in new activities they may not have tried before, like yoga or rock climbing. The INSPIRE - Breathe Play Learn program funds local programs at BGCC clubs that respond to grassroots interests and needs.
On the mental health side, the organization has partnered with Healthy Minds Canada to offer mental health first aid courses to club staff. Clubs have also integrated the Friends for Life programs to help young people develop their self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships that help them deal with feelings of fear, worry and depression. Clubs help children and their families increase their awareness and understanding of mental health through publications and a youth mental health program.
"The CMA's vision of a healthy population can only be achieved through the actions of like-minded organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada," said CMA president Dr. Anna Reid. "Their commitment to health promotion, wellness and fitness is having a tremendously positive impact on the health of young Canadians."
By promoting physical health, mental health and emotional well-being, BGCC programs help young people succeed in school, form positive relationships and mature into healthy, responsible, caring adults. Thanks to its holistic approach, more young people face their future with hope, support and the leadership skills that lead to success.
The CMA Award for Excellence in Health Promotion will be presented at a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary on Aug. 21, during the CMA's 146th annual general meeting. The CMA's Award for Excellence in Health Promotion was introduced in 2003. To be considered, nominees must have contributed to the improvement of health through health promotion actions, initiatives or increased public awareness. Additional information on the CMA Award for Excellence in Health Promotion, including nomination forms, can be found at http://www.cma.ca/aboutcma/awards
Previous recipients of this award include Running Room president and founder John Stanton, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, the Club des petits déjeuners du Québec, Kids Eat Smart Foundation, MADD Canada - Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Blue Nose Marathon Organizing Committee, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Réseau FADOQ and Pierre Lavoie.
- CNW
