Healthy Community Development
The Primary Care Network supports a Healthy Community Development Coordinator (0.7 FTE) to enhance community wellness in High River, Okotoks and Black Diamond. The community developer works extensively with the Health Coalitions in each town to enhance and initiate programming on behalf of the Primary Care Network and Alberta Health Services.
Examples of activities include:
- A recent needs assessment in Black Diamond overwhelmingly identified services for young families as a top priority. In response, the Primary Care Network piloted two six-week “Toddler Time” sessions in partnership with Alberta Health Services- Calgary Zone public health. High attendance and positive feedback support continuation of the program.
- The High Country Community Action Group (Black Diamond) and supporting the High River 4C Coalition (Caring Citizens Committed to Health Communities) was established.
- The GO2 program, a physical activity initiative
- A Services Information kiosk in High River
- and all activities listed under the Healthy Communities
Accidental injury has been flagged as an area of concern within the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network. The Healthy Community Development Coordinator will work with community groups to raise awareness and community programs on this issue.
Healthy Communities
The Calgary Rural Primary Care Network encourages healthy communities through community development activities and community activities that support regular activity and healthy living.
Family Swim - Strathmore, Okotoks & High River
The Primary Care Network funds 2 hours of free swim every Sunday afternoon. Primary Care Network physicians and staff refer people to this activity.
Skating Fitness - Nanton
This program funds 2 hours of free skating during the winter months at the Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre in Nanton.
Call 403-646-2522 for details.
Heart Health Hikers Grant (Golden Hills School Division) - Strathmore
This innovative school-led program encourages students to walk, and is substantially increasing activity in the area’s schools.
Prescription – Activity! Pedometer Program - High River, Okotoks and Black Diamond
This program is based on the Prescriptions - Activity Program from British Columbia. Local physicians distribute pedometers along with an activity prescription to motivate participants and provide community options for activity in cooperation with community recreation facilities and programs.