British Columbia Coalition for Health Promotion
Background
The BC Coalition for Health Promotion (BCCHP) is a grassroots,
voluntary nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of health
promotion in British Columbia.
The BCCHP evolved in
June 2000 as a result of recommendations made by community participants
in an eight-month, province-wide action research study. Work of the
organization is guided by a core planning team of twelve people who are
well grounded in the values of health promotion and community
development.
Research carried out by the Coalition indicates that community
agencies and frontline personnel are primarily responsible, at the
grassroots level, for addressing the social, economic, cultural,
spiritual and environmental determinants of health. Yet, these groups
continue to be under-funded and under-recognized for the work they do.
In keeping with these findings, the BCCHP acts as a catalyst to support
the efforts of those who are involved on a day-to-day basis in
community health promotion activities.
Vision
The vision of the BC Coalition for
Health Promotion is sustainable, coordinated, community-inspired health
promotion across British Columbia.
Mission
Our mission is to establish a
sustainable source of funding for health promotion activities that are
inspired and implemented by communities across British Columbia.
Goals
- To promote the establishment of a health promotion
foundation in British Columbia that advances the empowerment of
communities, their ownership and control of their own endeavors and
destinies.
- To act as a catalyst for community action promoting a balanced, coordinated approach to addressing the determinants of health.
- To
raise the profile of the BCCHP by increasing numbers and diversity of
the membership and by acquiring sufficient resources to carry out the
activities of the BCCHP.
Activities
The BCCHP supports the efforts of those who are involved in community-inspired health promotion through:
- Demonstration projects
- Action research and participatory evaluation
- Community development
- Public awareness and education
- Information and referral
- Advocacy for health
- Mentorship
Principles guiding our work
- The BCCHP recognizes and acknowledges the gifts that
individuals, organizations and communities bring to the discussion
table; communicates openly, honestly and respectfully; is readily
accessible; and is flexible.
- The BCCHP supports
individuals and communities in discovering and using to their advantage
the strengths, resourcefulness, innovation and creativity that already
exists within communities.
- The BCCHP employs
participatory action research, popular education and community
socio-economic development to promote quality of life and health of
citizens.
- The BCCHP supports local economies and builds
partnerships that are equitable and that lead to coordinated,
effective, concrete community action and support.
- The BCCHP acts in a collective, proactive manner for the rights and empowerment of communities and their citizens.
Publications
In pursuit of its vision of establishing a health promotion
foundation, the BCCHP has published the following documents that can be
found on their website:
- Walking the Talk in Health Promotion: Research from the Margins (2000)
- Grassroots Leadership in Health Promotion Funding: A Framework for Action (2002)
- A Framework for Funding Community-Inspired Health Promotion (2003)
- A Position Paper on the Role of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations in Health Promotion in BC (2003)
- A Position Statement on Financing Health Promotion in BC (2004)
- A Health Promotion Foundation in British Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions (2004)
- A Health Promotion Foundation in British Columbia: Implementation Plan (2004)
Contact Address
14 - 3497 Gibbins Road
Duncan, British Columbia
Canada, V9L 6C9
Email:
bchpc@vcn.bc.ca ,
ronnieph@shaw.ca,
Internet:
www.vcn.bc.ca/bchpc/