LOYALIST COLLEGE
Loyalist College secures national research grant to advance rural health and well-being in Prince Edward County

Loyalist College's Centre for Healthy Communities (CFHC) has been awarded a $359,875 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to lead a three-year applied research project aimed at reducing social isolation and improving well-being among older adults in Prince Edward County. This highly competitive funding award marks the college's first-ever CIHR grant, placing Loyalist among just 34 successful applicants nationwide out of 151 CCSIF submissions. 

The project, led by Clara Tascon, Senior Research Specialist at the CFHC, will research, design, and implement a social prescribing initiative that connects older adults with community-based activities and support to enhance their quality of life. "Social prescribing is an approach that links individuals to non-clinical community resources to improve their health and well-being," says Kurstin Salisbury, Senior Manager within the Centre for Healthy Communities. "Examples of social prescriptions include participating in art or music programs, joining walking or fitness groups, volunteering, visiting museums, or being connected with community gardens and food access programs." These activities, which align with the social determinants of health, strengthen social connections, foster healthy aging in place, and reduce strain on primary care and hospital systems.  

"This project reflects the spirit of community-driven research: working with our partners to co-create solutions that strengthen well-being and connection," said Dr. Jennifer Tewathahá:kwa Maracle, Executive Director, Indigenous Engagement and Applied Research and Innovation at Loyalist College. "Through the Centre for Healthy Communities, we're deepening relationships and applying research in ways that honour local knowledge, provide students with hands-on experiences and build healthier, more resilient communities like Prince Edward County." 

The collaborative project is anchored by Prince Edward Learning Centre and The County Foundation, with additional partners including the Prince Edward Family Health Team, County of Prince Edward Public Library. Other collaborators include the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward, Department of Community Services, The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward, and the Prince Edward County Arts Council. 

"This project gives community partners the opportunity to work closely together to find new ways of addressing health challenges using the resources that already exist in our community," said Kathy Kennedy, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Learning Centre. "Social connection, engagement in the arts, and improved financial and food security all contribute to better well-being. We're thrilled to help lead a pilot with the potential to enhance older residents' health and quality of life in so many ways."  

"Like many communities, Prince Edward County is experiencing growing pressure on its health care resources," said Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of The County Foundation. "With a median age of 56.5 that's 16.5 years older than the provincial average our community faces unique challenges and opportunities in supporting older adults who experience increased health risks. The County Foundation is pleased to partner on this initiative, as a social prescribing program tailored to Prince Edward County can help residents enhance their overall well-being by connecting them to meaningful activities and community supports."  

Through Loyalist's Centre for Healthy Communities, the project will also provide students with hands-on learning and applied research opportunities to explore how innovative community-based solutions can address complex social challenges. 

"At Loyalist, we're committed to giving students hands-on experiences that enhance their skills while creating tangible benefits for our communities," said Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO, Loyalist College. "Through this project, students will play an active role in advancing health and well-being for residents in Prince Edward County - an impact that extends far beyond the classroom."