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Our Voice in Action |
OPHA Collaborates with Parks and Recreation Ontario and Ophea
The idea is to reach children and youth with programming to foster healthy eating and active living as well as to build self-esteem, support mentorship and provide homework assistance.
by Cindy Scythes, Manager, Nutrition Resource Centre
After a recent meeting with Deputy Minister Cynthia Morton, OPHA learned that the Ministry of Health Promotion was considering a focus on after-school programs as part of its strategy to prevent obesity.
The idea is to reach children and youth with programming to foster healthy eating and active living as well as to build self-esteem, support mentorship, and provide homework assistance.
At the community level, there are many examples of public health working in collaboration with partners including schools, parks and recreation, scouts/guides, and youth themselves to promote health. To capitalize on collaborative work already done by public health, parks and recreation departments and schools, OPHA came together with Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) and Ophea (Ontario Physical Health Education Association) to discuss and articulate how the three organizations could provide enhanced support to facilitate increased programming to foster healthy eating and active living at the local level.
A concept paper was drafted and presented to the Deputy Minister based on an integrated approach focusing on a youth leadership model. This approach would use the expertise of public health, community recreation and education resources to support the Ontario Government’s childhood obesity prevention strategy. Since this model is in keeping with the Ministry’s policy and programs that promote healthy eating and active living for children and youth during the after school hours it will capitalize on programs and resources already in existence. Thus the Ministry of Health Promotion would be positioned as leaders to leverage the work of other Ministries.
The Ministry staff at the meeting were appreciative of the proposal and encouraged OPHA, PRO and Ophea to continue to work together.
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