Loyalist College’s Centre for Healthy Communities has been awarded a $359,875 College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research 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.
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, 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.
(BROCK ORMOND)
