The BCMA congratulates three outstanding award recipients for their extraordinary efforts promoting health and safety in British Columbia

Vancouver, BC – Providing the means to ensure British Columbians have the tools to take care of their own health and achieve a better quality of life are the features that the BCMA’s three award recipients have in common. Being lauded for their leadership through advocacy and project work in heath promotion and prevention are Mr. Sean Nixon, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, and the City of Kamloops and the Interior Health Authority. 

The Youth Wellness Project is a street-involved youth and UBC student driven initiative that was developed to address the most significant health literacy needs among Vancouver’s street youth and empower them to make a difference in their own lives. Under the leadership of Mr. Sean Nixon, the project has grown from a single clinic to multiple sites, the number and diversity of volunteers has increased, and in it’s three year history more than 150 youth have participated in a series of workshops and more than 30 street-involved youth have participated in project planning, instruction and/or evaluation. 

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce heart disease, a leading cause of death in British Columbia, the Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services' Community CPR and Extinguishing Heart Disease Initiatives program trains as many people as possible in CPR, Automated  External Defibrillators use, and first-aid, screen for early signs of heart disease, and promotes awareness of heart disease factors and lifestyle choices. Managed and operated by off-duty firefighters they train CPR procedures to 3,000 grade 10 students each year, downtown eastside residents, social service organization workers and clients, and members of the community at large. In its 12 year history, 35,000 people have received this training.

Since the mid 1900's the City of Kamloops and the Interior Health Authority have had ever-evolving programs in place to help their citizens living with chronic disease live healthier, more active lives while adopting a self-management approach. Since formalizing the partnership last year, the new Strategic Health Alliance has expanded its services to include increased capacity of its vascular improvement and lung health pulmonary programs, four new exercise programs, and reducing barriers to good health.

The BCMA’s Excellence in Health Promotion Awards recognizes the exceptional efforts of individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations that have demonstrated a concern for the health and safety of British Columbians through specific initiatives that show ingenuity and creativity, with the goal of positive, long-term improvement. 

The awards will be presented at the BCMA’s Annual General Meeting being held at 6:00pm, Saturday, June 13th at the Sheraton Wall Centre. 
 
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For more information: 
Sharon Shore 
604-638-2832 
604-306-1866 (pager)