Two Community Groups Win BC Medical Association's Excellence in Health Promotion Award

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 11, 2011) - Congratulations go to two organizations whose dedication to the health of their constituents is being rewarded. The BC Cancer Agency's (BCAA) Cervical Cancer Screening Program and Coastal Pacific Xpress have each won the BC Medical Association's Excellence in Health Promotion Award.

Although cervical screening among BC women is higher than the national average, there are still large numbers of mostly younger women aged 20 – 29 years who fail to get a regular Pap test. The BCCA created the LACE campaign, Live Aware Create Empowerment, to reach this younger demographic urging them to be tested during Pap Awareness Week in October 2010. With the cooperation of 120 health clinics in 58 regions across the province that ensured easy access to Pap screenings, the use of contests to entice participation, student led events on university campuses, healthcare stakeholder involvement, as well as making full use of You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and other social media channels the number of women that had a Pap test during Pap Awareness Week jumped by 58 percent over the previous year. Not only was this campaign successful in reaching a younger female demographic, it also had a positive influence on older women aged 40 – 49 years as well. The LACE Campaign is now a health movement with a firmly established infrastructure and network of fans and supporters to move it forward in the coming years.

Based in Surrey, BC Coastal Pacific Xpress is a trucking company that moves perishable and consumer goods across North America. At first glance one wouldn't think that a trucking company would have health promotion initiatives in place, but this company does. Realizing the importance for drivers, who are often behind the wheel for long distances, as well as their corporate staff to maintain good health is the guiding force behind this company's numerous health initiatives. One in particular, Focus on Fitness Fridays, won for both its originality and combination of goals. On the last Friday of each month staff not only learn about healthy food options but between 8am and 3pm a ten minute walk or step activity continually takes place by a staff member and each participating member makes a donation to a neighbourhood charity – a donation the company doubles.

This is the 12^th year that the BC Medical Association has presented the awards that recognize individuals and organizations that are demonstrating leadership to improve the health and safety of British Columbians.

The BCMA aims to encourage more groups and individuals to undertake health promotion activities by honouring current exceptional initiatives that also include the potential for positive, long-term improvement in protecting the health and safety of British Columbians.

Winners will receive a sculptured glass award and certificate at the BC Medical Association's Awards Banquet that follows the Annual General Meeting. This year it is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on June 11, 2011.