Summit 2014 Report

SUMMIT

Pathways to Thriving CommunitiesSeptember 22–23, 2014, WTCC, Halifax

Participants = 345 Total % of Total

Government department or agency 24.9%Non-profit organization or community group 22.3%District health authority 19.1%Town/municipality 10.1%Youth and chaperones 7.8%College or university 6.7%School/school board 2.6%Federal government 2.0%First Nations/aboriginal organization 1.7%Community health board 1.4%African-Nova Scotian organization 0.6%Private/business sector 0.6%

PURPOSE

To bring Nova Scotians together to understand:• the Thrive! strategy

• how their work connects to it

• how they can help build momentum and take action to create supportive environments for health in their communities

OVERVIEW OF THRIVE!

Dr. Heather Davis provided the background and rationale for the strategy.

Announcing the release of the two-year update report, Dr. Robert Strang provided a high-level overview of the progress made to date. He emphasized the long-term and complex nature of the work and the need for collective action.

COME ALIVE AT THRIVE!

Provided an opportunity to learn about the actions named in Thrive! as well as work from across the province that contributes to the strategy. It consisted of two concurrent components:

The Gallery Posters and displays

15 Minutes of Fame A series of short presentations

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

It Takes a “Hael” Community to Raise Healthy PeopleDr. Trevor Hancock focused on helping participants understand the “big picture” and interrelated nature of the actions and work of Thrive! Speaking from a social determinants of health and ecological perspective, he emphasized the profound cultural shift required in order to “raise healthy people in healthy communities in healthy nations in a healthy world.”

PANEL PRESENTATION

Bringing a Nova Scotia Lens to the Work

Using some of their own research in the areas of the built environment, physical activity, nutrition, and food security, four members of the Thrive! scientific advisory panel (Drs. Jill Grant, Angie Kolen, Sara Kirk, and Patty Williams) brought a Nova Scotia lens to the “big picture” information in Dr. Hancock’s keynote address.

From left to right: Drs. Jill Grant,

Angie Kolen, Sara Kirk, and Patty Williams

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Engaging with ComplexityDr. Brenda Zimmerman provided an inspiring keynote address focusing on strategies for working in complex environments. Key points included the need to identify the attractors at all levels, to establish “minimum specifications” (simple rules), for a coherent approach, and for ownership not “buy-in” for the work.

Table discussions followed on how to create ownership or coherence for the work of Thrive!

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Learning from One Nova Scotia: Igniting Our Own Calls to ActionDr. Gaynor Watson-Creed provided an overview of and insight into the work of One Nova Scotia, based on the Now or Never report on the state of our economy. She highlighted the link to the work of Thrive! and the opportunity for all of us, regardless of sector, to address some of the critical deep-rooted systemic changes required to support a thriving Nova Scotia.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Concluding Thoughts as We Return to Our CommunitiesDr. Frank Atherton reminded us to continue to view the work through economic, social, and ecological lenses. He highlighted the need for Thrive! to build on the concepts of complexity and for Nova Scotia to transform itself from a “can’t do” to a “can do” province. “Our task as we leave here,” he concluded, “is to take the messages with us, keep thinking about the issues we’ve been discussing, spread the vision, and share the ownership of Thrive!”

YOUTH STREAM

Purpose• To understand the social

determinants of health

• To think about how the physical and social environment have an impact on health and the role of policies

They felt respected and enjoyed the small-group discussions with other youth. The session with Dr. Zimmerman was a highlight.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTHY EATING

Careful consideration was given to the creation of a supportive environment for physical activity and healthy eating at the event.

A physical activity break was scheduled. Examples of options included rollerblading, yoga, DanceFit, swimming, walking and cycling tours, and running/gym options. In addition, suggestions were provided for other times and active transportation was encouraged.

The food served followed the DHW Healthy Eating policy; numerous positive comments were received on its healthy and delicious nature.

EVALUATION

• 92% of respondents were satisfied with the event overall

• Respondents were satisfied with the program’s content. Dr. Zimmerman was a highlight for many, including the youth

• More than 79% agreed that the summit helped them to learn about the various concepts presented over the two days

• 77% agreed that attending the Thrive! summit would be helpful in their work

• Approximately 85% reported talking to individuals with whom they might be able to strengthen existing partnerships or partner in the future

SUMMIT

The full 2014 summit report and all available videos/posters/slide presentations can be accessed at:

thrive.novascotia.ca/Summit-2014