Prescription
To Get Active announced as 1 of 6 finalists in The Play Exchange
The Prescription To Get Active program has been named as one of six
finalists in The Play Exchange by a panel of expert judges. The Play Exchange
is a national, online challenge that was launched in February 2014 by Minister
of Health, Rona Ambrose, as a way to find creative ideas to get Canadians
living healthier, more active lives. More than 420 entries were received by The
Play Exchange and the finalists were announced September 22, 2014. The contest
was open to all Canadians, including not-for-profit organizations, businesses,
schools and families.
Each of the six finalists will be featured on a CBC television special
and will compete for an investment of up to $1 million from the Government of
Canada to help support their program. Canadians will decide the winner by
voting for the finalist that they feel has the best initiative. Voting will
begin in January 2015. Each finalist also receives mentoring and support from
LIFT Philanthropy Partners to develop a strategic business plan, valued at
$30,000.
“Prescription To Get Active is an initiative that opens the discussion of
the significant health benefits associated with an active lifestyle as well as
and the numerous health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. It offers recreation resources and
low-barrier, flexible opportunities as part of the patient’s healthy living plan.”
explains Len Frank, co-chair of the Prescription To Get Active strategic
leadership committee. “The strength of
the partnerships between community and primary care providers along with a tangible
prescription supporting physical activity
is what makes this initiative unique.”
Prescription To Get Active is a unique venture where local Primary Care Network (PCN) family
physicians and their health care teams prescribe physical activity to patients
who would benefit from increased activity. The initiative began in Leduc in
October 2011 and launched throughout the Edmonton area in February 2014. There
are now 27 recreation facilities and 9 PCNs on board.
“Being named a finalist gives recognition
to the hard work between our partners and will expose our program further,
“says Frank. “If the program is selected the winner by Canadians, it will allow
us to expand the program across the province and eventually, across Canada.”
