GOVERNMENT RELEASES PROVINCIAL POPULATION HEALTH PROMOTION STRATEGY

Health Minister John Nilson today announced the release of Healthier Places to Live, Work and Play; A Population Health Promotion Strategy for Saskatchewan.

"The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care called for a provincial population health promotion strategy," Nilson said. "This strategy is the result of broad consultation, and will provide a framework to guide long-range planning for health promotion at local, regional and provincial levels."

There are four priority areas for focus within the strategy: mental well-being; accessible nutritious food; decreased substance use/abuse; and active communities. Goals include improving the conditions that support positive mental well-being; reducing barriers to and increasing opportunities for healthy eating habits; reducing tobacco, alcohol and drug use; and, reducing barriers to and increasing opportunities for regular, enjoyable physical activity in communities, schools and workplaces.

The strategy builds upon work already being done across the province, and challenges communities to move beyond traditional approaches to health promotion in order to create environments where people find it easier to take positive actions for their health.

A Saskatchewan Health telehealth briefing and an in-depth training session for regional health authorities will support the development and implementation of population health promotion strategies in each region. In addition to the four provincial priorities, regions may also identify additional local priorities. Regions will be asked to submit their strategies by the fall. Saskatchewan Health will also work with regions to develop an evaluation framework for the strategies.

"Effective population health promotion is multi-faceted, long-term, and a shared responsibility that requires co-ordinated action," Nilson said. "By working together to address the underlying determinants of health we are promoting safe and healthy families, neighbourhoods and communities across the province."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083