About the NLHHP

What is the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program?

The Newfoundland Heart Health Program (NLHHP) is a community-based prevention program aimed at improving health and reducing the rate of heart disease in the province.

The program jointly funded by Health Canada and the provincial Department of Health and Community Services, was officially launched in May, 1990. It started as a demonstration project and is now spreading successful activities throughout the province.

Why the NLHHP?

Newfoundland and Labrador has a higher death rate from heart disease than the Canadian average. The results from the Heart Health Survey which was completed in 1989, showed that the risk factors for heart disease including high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, smoking and obesity are widespread in the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The NLHHP is working with community groups and community health agencies across the province to encourage people to reduce their risk of heart disease by leading healthier lifestyles, as well as, creating an environment that helps people make healthier choices.

How Does the NLHHP Work?

The NLHHP is made up of local community activities supported by regional heart health coalitions, provincial projects and a provincial advisory committee.

Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee provides direction for the NLHHP. It is made up of representatives from various community sectors, including professional and public agencies.

Present Committee Members

• Joan Casey, Department of Education
• Paula Ewing, Newfoundland & Labrador Heart & Stroke Foundation
• Wendy Decker, Health Sciences Center
• David Doyle, Recreation & Sports Division, Department of Tourism, Culture &anp; Recreation
• Donna Best, School of Nursing, Memorial University
• Jeanie House, Newfoundland & Labrador Health Boards Association
• Martha Muzychka, Health & Community Services - St. John's Region
• Jill Squires, Health Sciences Center
• Carol Ann Smith, Canadian Diabetes Association, NL Division
• Eleanor Swanson, Department of Health & Community Services
• Lorna Anderson, Health Sciences Center
• Sonya Smith, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association
• Catherine Donovan, Newfoundland & Labrador Heart Health
• Doreen Neville, Newfoundland & Labrador Heart Health
• Carol Ann MacDonald, Newfoundland & Labrador Heart Health

Provincial Projects

Provincial projects have developed resources and supported skills development for professionals, volunteers and community groups who initiate heart health activities at the regional and local level.

Community Based Projects

In 1991, the NLHHP made a call for public proposals to communities and organizations to submit their ideas on how to address the risk factors for heart disease in their area. Nine community projects were selected as demonstration projects and were granted funding. These projects organized activities to help people make healthy food choices, stop smoking and become physically active. These community-based projects experienced many successes and challenges.

Regional Heart Health Coalitions

The demonstration phase of the NLHHP was officially completed in December,1996 and the project is currently in it's dissemination phase. The focus of this phase will be on spreading successful heart health activities throughout the province.

Six regional heart health coalitions have been formed to carry out this work. These regional heart health coalitions are spearheaded by Health and Community Services personnel. Coalition membership is open to community groups, organizations or individuals who have an interest in heart health.

The regional heart health coalitions are involved in a variety of activities. Some of their activities include; walking clubs, grocery store tours, smoking cessation programs, lifestyle clinics, displays and presentations to various groups on heart health.

If you would like more information, contact us.

. . . Or contact your Regional Coalition.