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February 3, 2006
For immediate release

Islanders and Community Groups Recognized for Being Models for Health

Community and Cultural Affairs

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Today several Islanders and community groups were recognized at a ceremony in Charlottetown for being “Models of Health” for their efforts in improving the health of Islanders through promotion of healthy living. Seventeen groups and individuals were joined by Ministers from the Department of Education, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Department of Health, along with representatives from non-profit organizations, the Active Living Alliance, the Healthy Eating Alliance, and the Tobacco Reduction Alliance.

The recognition event revealed that there are many initiatives underway across P.E.I. to address risk factors for chronic disease. The honoree list ranged from school groups which promote healthy choices to a Diabetes Self Help group in Charlottetown and the developers of a skateboard park in Alberton.

Chester Gillan, Minister of Health said, “On Prince Edward Island, there is awareness and appreciation of the fact that an effort to reduce the risk factors of chronic disease is our greatest opportunity to improve the health of Islanders and to sustain our health care system.”

Laura Lee Noonan, emcee for the event said, “Many of the individuals and groups being acknowledged today as a Model of Health have taken action to promote healthy living through partnerships with non-government organizations, businesses, communities and governments. The Models of Health are some examples of the many exciting activities that are happening in communities across PEI to encourage healthy living.”

The Prince Edward Island Strategy for Healthy Living encourages Islanders to make healthy lifestyle choices in their daily lives.

Members of the Prince Edward Island Strategy for Healthy Living Steering Committee include: the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division; the Canadian Diabetes Association, PEI Branch; Department of Community and Cultural Affairs; Department of Education; Department of Health; Federation of PEI Municipalities; Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI; Office of Attorney General; PEI Active Living Alliance; PEI Healthy Eating Alliance; PEI Recreation Facilities Association and PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance.

Education Minister Mildred Dover said, “The healthy living strategy encourages Islanders to work in partnership, and this is by far is the most effective approach to create conditions for healthy living. The Models of Health initiative is an excellent way to recognize our accomplishments and to share best practices with others.”

Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs added, “We acknowledge that this is only a ‘snapshot’ of some of the great community work being carried out. It is our goal to ensure we have future opportunities to acknowledge others who are carrying out similar efforts.”

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Media Contact: Rod Stanley
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