Community Health Education Program (CHEP)
2009-2013

In collaboration with McGill University Health Center

A community member attends a videoconferencing session on cancer awareness. There, he meets a community nurse who then puts him in touch with an array of resources. Consequently, the participants of this session see the need for and decide to start a cancer support group. Community radio is used to promote this initiative. Now, imagine improving access in your community to a range of English-language health and social information via a variety of mediums…

THE COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM makes this possible!

This dynamic program facilitates distance community learning of English health and social services information in remote Quebec communities via 5 different mediums:

• Videoconferencing
• Telephone conferencing
• DVD’s
• Community radio (Internet access)
• Follow-up activities

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Community networks select an area of focus/health priority topic based on their communities’ needs and in collaboration with their public health partners. The aim is to raise awareness and provide information to individuals and their communities where there is a gap or a void in health and social services information. For example, when a community network decides to host a videoconferencing session, then professionals, caregivers and volunteers in education, health and social services, are encouraged to come learn alongside and support their community members.

EXPERTISE HELPS FILL THE GAP

Dynamic, interactive experts in their respective fields, CHEP presenters have a variety of health and social services backgrounds: nursing, counseling, psychology, education and community medicine. Invited guest speakers from organizations representing chosen topics, complement the presenters.

RESOURCES

The CHEP promotes existing resources, linking with organizations whose mission is to provide health and social services information, tools and support to the public and who can do so in English.

2011-2012 HEALTH SESSIONS • Why is Everyone Mumbling: Hearing Loss • Allergies—The Asthma Connection • Seniors Rights and Wellness (World Elder Abuse Day) • The Different Faces of Depression • Sleep Disorders—A Wake-up Call • Better Pain Understanding for Better Relief • Chronic Illness, Caregiving and Coping • Gaining and Losing Weight: Get the new Facts • Cardiovascular Wellness • Addictions and Dependencies in Youth

Visit the CHSSN Health Resource Library, a compilation of valuable resources that complement each of the identified topics above.

FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES

An important focus of the CHEP, follow-up activities provide ongoing education, information, resources, and support beyond the initial campaign. For example, following a videoconferencing session, participants decide to form a support group or create a resource center, building from the momentum created by the session.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS The program involves the following community partners, each of whom supports a community network within the context of the CHSSN networking and partnership initiative: CAMI – Magdalen Islands CASA – Gaspé Coast COASTERS' Association – Lower North Shore MCDC – Thetford Mines Neighbours' Association of Rouyn Noranda – Rouyn Noranda North Shore Community Association (NSCA) - Baie Comeau & Sept Isles OHSSN – Outaouais Townshippers' Association – Montérégie East & Estrie Vision Gaspé Percé Now – Gaspé Town 4Korners Family Resource Center - Deux Montagnes/Laurentians

PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Partnerships serve to enhance access to English-language information, resources, services and support. The communities create important partnerships with many diverse organizations and institutions:

• Local CSSS, hospitals, clinics
• Schools, Community Learning Centers (CLCs) and community organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Community radio stations

The CHEP forges partnerships with many regional and provincial health and social services organizations, including:

• Alzheimer Society - Montreal & Quebec
• AMI Quebec
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Care-Ring Voice
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec
• Parkinson Society Quebec
• The Arthritis Society
• The Fraser Recovery Program
• The Quebec Learners’ Network
• Perform Centre – Concordia University

What some CHEP participants say they have learned…   “I liked learning about the different kinds of arthritis.”  –Arthritis Revisited, February 2011 “When dealing with someone who is grieving, just acknowledge his/her grief; don’t try to compare theirs with our own experiences.”  –Life Losses, February 2011 “The importance of varying all activities-mental and physical and the do’s and don’ts. Be patient.” –Alzheimer’s Part II, January 2011 “Effects of second-hand smoke. Importance of early treatment and danger of late diagnosis.” –Lung Health Part I (Related to Cancer Awareness), October 2011

VIDEOCONFERENCING IN IMAGES
* Please click on the thumbnail to view larger image.

THE CHEP TEAM

Brenda Edwards, Project Development Manager.

Jo Ann Jones, R.N., M. Ed., Health Education Consultant, plans and coordinates the program.

Kelly Howarth, M. Ed., Dpl. Ad. Ed., Community Education Consultant/Evaluator, plans and evaluates the program.

The CHSSN supports English-speaking communities to participate in distance community health education programs through funding from the McGill Training and Retention of Health Professionals Project (2009-2013), funded by Health Canada, and the strong partnership of the McGill University Health Centre.

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CHSSN
Community Health Education Program

Email: info@chssn.org or communityhealtheducationprogram@ymail.com
Web site: www.chssn.org