Quesnel's friendly, social & entertaining online news source!

Northern Health is inviting community organizations and schools to submit project proposals aimed at increasing awareness and reducing tobacco use in Northern BC. The True North Strong and Smoke-Free community grant program, now in its seventh year, offers various funding to successful applicants.

The True North Strong and Smoke-Free community grants support community organizations and schools in reducing tobacco use. Projects can focus on any aspect of tobacco reduction such as spit tobacco, second-hand smoke, smoking cessation, youth tobacco prevention or awareness about the hazards of tobacco.

“It takes a community effort to tackle the problems caused by tobacco use,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. “Through innovative programs such as the True North Strong and Smoke-Free, residents have more opportunities to become educated on the negative effects of smoking and more access to the resources available to help them quit.”

Since 2003, Northern Health has funded more than 280 tobacco reduction projects totalling more than $65,000 in community grant funding. Successful projects have included forums for youth to discuss tobacco issues, school-related activities, multimedia displays, and smoke-free promotion for public and private facilities.

“Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death, disease and disability in Canada and has negative health impacts on people of all ages: unborn babies, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors” said Laura Johnston, Tobacco Reduction Coordinator. “We look forward to working with local groups to promote community partnerships that will help to lower tobacco use in our health region.”

Grants of up to $250.00 are available. The deadline for applications is November 19, 2010.

Northern Health also offers its Nicotine Intervention Counselling Centre (NICC) program for northern residents who need advice and support to quit smoking. To speak to a counsellor, please contact your local health unit. More information on Northern Health’s Tobacco Reduction Strategy can be found at www.northernhealth.ca.