Healthy Communities: An Approach to Action on Health Determinants in Canada

This project was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of using a Healthy Communities approach in chronic disease prevention initiatives. The main components of the project included a literature review, community survey, a series of sixteen case studies and the development of a website for the emerging Canadian Healthy Communities Network.

The presenters will describe the project and report on the results, emerging themes and learning that took place during a two-year journey of discovering and exploring various dimensions of Healthy Communities across Canada.

Who should attend?
Individuals involved or interested in Healthy Communities, health promotion in a community setting and/or initiatives that address the broad determinants of health.

Advisors on Tap:

Lorna McCue,  MSW
Executive Director,
Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition (OHCC)

Lorna has over 25 years of experience in developing and managing not-for-profit, community-based organizations and services. She received a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1986 with a concentration in Community Development and Social Planning. As Executive Director of the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition, she leads a team of staff and regional consultants in providing training, consultation, educational resources and networking opportunities to many diverse community organizations and collaboratives within Ontario. She shares her knowledge and passion for healthy communities through presentations and articles, and has a long history of voluntary community service.

Jodi Mucha,
Executive Director,
BC Healthy Communities (BCHC)

Jodi has a Masters in Environment and Management, over 15 years of community development experience working both at the local and international level.  She also has a strong background in community-based research, social capital, public policy and integral  evaluation.  She provides expertise in multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships,systems thinking, the healthy communities approach and practical approaches to understanding the links between the determinants of health.  In her spare time, Jodi competes in long distance triathlons, facilitates leadership courses and maintains her organic garden.

Lisa Tolentino,
Project Coordinator,
Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition (OHCC)

Lisa has worked around community development and capacity building in the social, economic and environmental sectors for 20 years. She has a Masters in Environmental Studies and has been employed by the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition for the past 11 years. Through her work, Lisa has conducted consultations, workshop facilitation, public speaking, research, planning and action with groups and individuals across the province. Over the years, she has served as a volunteer and board member with a variety of NGOs, is also a certified yoga teacher, previously owned and operated a small restaurant, and presently lives in Minden, Ontario with her family.