PROJECT HOPE SUPPORTS NEW CONSULTANTS IN HEALTH REGIONS

On May 16th and 17th, newly hired Population Health/Project Hope consultants from the health regions were part of a larger group meeting in Saskatoon to learn more about their role in decreasing substance abuse and promoting mental health in the communities in which they will work.

The consultants will work with other sectors including recreation, education and municipal government to create environments within their communities that support healthy choices.

"The work of each of these consultants is vital to the success of Project Hope," Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. "By using a population health promotion approach, they will look at all the factors that determine health, and use them to develop programs to enable people to take control over and improve their health."

Funding for the new positions is intended to support the implementation of Regional Population Health Promotion Strategies and health promotion and primary prevention initiatives contained within Project Hope.

In 2006-07, $80,000 is allocated to each of Saskatoon, Regina Qu'Appelle, Five Hills, Prince Albert Parkland, Mamawetan Churchill River and Keewatin Yatthé health regions; and $70,000 has been allocated in 2006-07 to each of Heartland, Kelsey Trail, Cypress, Sun Country, Sunrise and Prairie North health regions.

Project Hope is a three-year plan using a comprehensive, integrated approach for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083