The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is aiming to improve the lives of those in their communities. They're promoting the Healthy Together Now program, which supplies community organizations with funding to create programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. A series of public meetings will be held later this month, allowing those interested in accessing the funding to learn more about the program. Regional Manager for Community Wellness and Chronic Disease Prevent Leana Smith says there are four main focuses for the funding, tobacco cessation and reduction, healthy eating, and mental well-being. 

Leana Smith (supplied photo)

"We know that the rate of chronic disease for Manitobans is quite high, and we know the modifiable risk factors, the four, contribute significantly to the reduction of chronic disease and complications because of those diseases. If we get the communities working actively towards programming to lead to behaviour change, the end result should be healthier Manitobans."

While Smith says anyone can apply for the funding, she notes they prefer some connection to a community group for bookkeeping purposes. However, she says individuals looking to create a program can contact the Health Together Now program, and become connected with a group.

Smith says the program's been around for ten years, and they've seen some exciting initiatives created as a result of the funding. She notes community gardens, preservation workshops, cross-country skiing, and social groups to promote mental well-being have all been created. She explains the funding is only provided for start-ups, but that can often lead to a long-term benefit.

"The funding is for start-up, it's not for annual funding, but a lot of these projects --once they get off the ground-- they can pretty much be self-sustaining and running. It's been running for many years, and we're really fortunate here in Interlake-Eastern, every community has access to this program."

She says the meetings that take place throughout the region will be relatively short, and aim to provide a venue for community members to brainstorm ideas that could benefit the region. Smith admits the summer meetings could be difficult for some to attend, but notes if you contact their offices they can help set up a meeting for the fall.