Susan,

We are currently in the middle of a Health Canada diabetes strategy funded
project the goal of which is to enhance the ability of families and the
community (we are working with a lower income neighbourhood) to engage in
actions that support the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. To achieve this goal
we are working in partnership with the local community association and a
project coordinator (who was hired from within the community) to implement a
series of community-based family events that will provide information about
diabetes prevention, but with the greater purpose of creating a sense of
community, and decreasing social exclusion. In a recent Health Canada
Publication (Labonte 2003. How our programs effect population health
determinants: A workbook for better planning and accountability) hiring
program participants is one example of a strategy for addressing income and
social status as a determinant of health.

We also implemented a summer program for children in the community. Not only
was the program completely affordable and accessible for families in the
neighbourhood, we also again hired the staff for the program from right
within the community. Really only a small influx of hard cash into the
community, but with the greater benefit of building capacity for the staff
and providing them with experience and skills to move ahead to other
opportunities. The camp itself was incredibly well received by the community
(especially because for most families camps have never been an option
before). The camp ran for six weeks and the initial outcomes were fantastic
- we now have kids who know the Canada's food and physical activity guides
inside and out. We have anecdotal feedback from parents about kids making
healthier food choices for their lunches, kids wanting breakfast, kids being
more physically active, but even more than that kids made new social
connections within their communities. We also connected kids and families
with resources that are right in their neighbourhood (parks, playgrounds,
grocery stores, bowling alleys, rock climbing). It has been said that the
program "redefined walking distance" for many kids and their families. I
think it is fair to say the program has removed some barriers within the
community, particularly in terms of access to recreation for many kids and
their families, as well as access to information/education regarding
prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

We will be continuing with the community events until the end of March 2004
(coming up we have a square dance night for adults, and a destress at
Christmas for women). We also are coming up to a three-month f/u evaluation
of the impact of the summer program on the participants. At the same time we
are continuing to integrate diabetes prevention approaches into existing
community structures including the community association, the schools and
the churches. In terms of sustainability, the community is already looking
for ways to fund future summer programs, as well they have come on board as
a Healthy Community in our Healthy Communities Initiative.

I'm not sure if this is what you were looking for, but I would be happy to
share further findings as we continue with our ongoing efforts and
evaluation.

Cheers,
Andrea Thain Liptak BSc MSc
Health Promotion and Communication
Public Health
David Thompson Health Region

Phone: (403) 341-2479
Fax: (403) 341-2167



-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Himel [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 9:30 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Overcoming socio-economic barriers related to diabetes


I have been asked if I could find out what some of the most innovative and
effective community-based programs, services, research or approaches are to
overcoming the socio-economic barriers for the prevention of, and management
of
diabetes.

Any ideas, suggestion, leads that you could share?
Thanks in advance,
Susan Himel

Coordinator, Health Information and Wellness Centre
Trillium Health Centre
100 Queensway West
Mississauga, ON

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