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March 22, 2017
The Matter of Black Health – Health Coaching to Live Well in Nova Scotia
African Canadians in several Nova Scotia communities will have access to culturally specific programming addressing chronic disease prevention with the launch of The Matter of Black Health – Health Coaching to Live Well in Nova Scotia.
A project of Diabetes Canada and the Health Association of African Canadians, the initiative is being supported with $96,666 over two years from the Nova Scotia Chronic Disease Innovation Fund, with Medavie Health Foundation providing an additional $100,000.
With a particular focus on type 2 diabetes, The Matter of Black Health will use a community-based approach to support behaviour and lifestyle changes and improved health outcomes for people of African descent living in Digby, Yarmouth, Annapolis Valley, Halifax Regional Municipality, Hants County, South Shore, Antigonish, Guysborough, and Cape Breton. The initiative leverages the successful Live Well! health coaching model, an inter-sectoral partnership between Diabetes Canada, the Government of New Brunswick and Medavie Health Foundation.
The Matter of Black Health – Health Coaching to Live Well in Nova Scotia was launched at an event earlier today at the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre, with government, partner and community representatives in attendance.
Quick Facts
- African Canadians have been identified by Diabetes Canada as one of the top five high-risk groups for developing diabetes and other related chronic illnesses.
- Live Well! is a client-centred approach based on the UK’s successful health trainer model. Supported by coaching, participants set and achieve wellness goals, including healthy eating, active living, mental fitness, and tobacco-free living.
- Over a three-year period, Live Well! clients demonstrated: 27% improved self-efficacy, 21% increase of improved self-described health, 23% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, and a 19% increase to moderate or vigorous physical activity.
“Type 2 diabetes and chronic disease management present significant challenges to the healthcare system and to those living with a chronic illness. The Matter of Black Health empowers participants to take ownership of their own health. Through collaboration and investing in prevention, early intervention, and self-management programs such as this, we believe we can improve health outcomes today while reversing the trend for future generations.”
Bernard Lord, CEO, Medavie
“I’d like to thank the Medavie Health Foundation for their generous contribution to a program that helps African Nova Scotians improve their health. By supporting important programs like this one, we can help more Nova Scotians live healthier lives and avoid chronic disease.”
Premier Stephen McNeil, Province of Nova Scotia
“People of African descent are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and this culturally-specific version of health coaching will promote positive changes and support better health. We are excited to partner with the Health Association of African Canadians in integrating a proven health coaching model into an Africentric approach to living well.”
Lisa Matte, Senior Regional Director Atlantic, Diabetes Canada
“This project is about coaching that responds to the health needs of African-descended people, including their history and lived experiences.”
Sharon Davis Murdoch, Co-President, Health Association of African Canadians
Filed under Health Foundation
