Healthy Communities By Design partners with Coaldale

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Sunny South News

By Jaxon McGinn
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sunny South News

Coaldale is improving their community by partnering up with Healthy Communities By Design. The Town of Coaldale has partnered with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Healthy Communities By Design to conduct a pilot project designed to improve the community’s well-being.

Through this program, the town will collect public health information specific to areas, including physical activity, healthy eating, ultraviolet (UV) and cancer screening.

“A healthy community promotes the reduction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the physical environment. Examples include increasing the availability of shade infrastructures in playgrounds, parks and at community events,” said Spencer Coil, director of planning and community development.

Partnerships and donations through Healthy Communities By Design include the Kinsmen of Coaldale, Kate Andrews High school, local businesses and grants from the Alberta Government.

A survey was initiated by the town for a time period of six weeks. This survey allowed the community to provide feedback on a variety of areas. All comments made through “Let’s Connect Coaldale” will become a public record.

“I think about what the communities need at first, and when we think about communities, we think about the pillars that make up our urban, suburban and rural place we live in and choose to be a part in this country, and in our contexts, in Coaldale — that means great places to live for everyone,” Coil added.

The Healthy Communities By Design initiative is based on the Alberta Healthy Communities Approach (AHCA). The model clarifies our social, economic, physical and policy environments affect our every day choices — and ultimately, well-being.

“Public health outcomes aren’t just about making sure we have doctors, clinics and health centres in the communities. It (is) also about a proactive measure that can increase your health and that to me adds to all those other elements of the community.”

For additional information on the Healthy Communities initiative visit albertahealthycommunities.healthiertogether.ca.