The Norwood/North Central Edmonton area has a rich history dating back to before Edmonton became a city. There is a ‘small town feeling’ where people know their neighbours. This is how Dianne Gillespie, Community Coordinator with Healthy Alberta Communities, sees it. She has been getting to know the people for the past six months. “I think the high number of community activities in the area contributes to the close-knit feeling,” says Dianne.

Healthy Alberta Communities is building on the work of two projects: the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Keep Your Body in Check program and the Healthy U campaign of Alberta Health and Wellness. It is funded for three years by a $3 million grant from Alberta Health and Wellness in partnership with the Centre for Health Promotion Studies, University of Alberta. The goal of Healthy Alberta Communities is to reduce risk factors for developing chronic diseases like diabetes, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

What is unique about Healthy Alberta Communities? It is being driven by the community. Community members are being asked what makes it difficult to be healthy. The project team will work with them to overcome those difficulties.  Ultimately, the project aims to make healthy choices easier in the day-to-day lives of people living in Norwood/North Central Edmonton. The two other communities that are involved with the Healthy Alberta Communities project are Bonnyville/St. Paul, and Medicine Hat.

Dianne is excited about the project and the opportunities it presents. “It’s not just scratching the surface,” says Dianne, “We are hoping communities will identify the barriers that make it difficult to make healthy choices and then we can work to help overcome them.”

The position of Community Coordinator appealed to Dianne as it means she can use her people skills and learn more about the people of Norwood/North Central.  She has a natural curiosity for cultures, with a background in anthropology – the study of humanity. She has worked for AADAC as a nurse’s aide, taught CPR, and most recently completed an internship with the Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative.

Dianne’s role as Community Coordinator will evolve over time. Currently, she views the community as a resource. She has been meeting with community agencies and leaders over the last few months and is learning more about the people of Norwood/North Central Edmonton. “Developing relationships with community leaders is the key to working well together in the future,” reports Dianne. Once programs are underway, she sees her role changing where she will become a resource to the community. Dianne is looking forward to what lies ahead for the people of Norwood/North Central as the Healthy Alberta Communities project unfolds over the next three years.