Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #119: Building Multi-Sectoral Collaboration in the North with a Focus on Unintentional Injury Prevention  (Collaboration on unintentional injury prevention)

Outline
Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the circumpolar North. Harsh weather conditions, remoteness, limited resources, high turnover of health and other professionals, substance abuse, subsistence related activities, lack of coordinated activities and limited funding for prevention activities are some of the factors contributing to the current status. This project proposes to investigate factors related to multi-sectoral collaboration focussing on unintentional injury prevention. The hypothesis is that an improved understanding of these factors, when subsequently coupled with adequate resources for amplifying strengths and reducing limitations, will contribute to a reduction in Northerners’ morbidity and mortality related to unintentional injuries. Preliminary work for this project is currently underway in the Yukon, Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut (NU) through collaboration between the Yukon Public Health Association and the NWT/NU Public Health Association-CPHA. This work is part of a national project of the Canadian Public Health Association. Results from this preliminary work will inform the development of a more detailed proposal.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will contribute to two themes directly, and one theme indirectly. It will contribute to Theme 1 – Status, by determining the current state of conditions related to multi-sectoral collaboration in relation to unintentional injury prevention across the North. This will inform the subsequent development of a co-ordinated strategy to promote and enhance multi-sectoral collaborative efforts that can be applied to a wider range of issues. The project will also contribute to Theme 6 – Human Societies in Polar Regions by providing clarification about implications of interactions between organizations and agencies in communities, regions and jurisdictions, individuals in communities and the environment in which they subsist, work, play and live.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration would constitute an integral part of this project during all stages. The International Union of Circumpolar Health’s Injury Prevention Working Group would be a key partner. As well, the World Health Organization, and the Arctic Council, particularly in relation to the Arctic Human Development initiative would also be key partners.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, the project will leave a legacy of networking infrastructure that will enhance Northerners’ health and our ability to influence and contribute solutions to problems that surpass the ability of one or a few agencies working in isolation can accomplish.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Healthy and Sustainable Communities: Healthy Communities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

How will the project be organised and managed?

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Communications have been an integral part of the project since its inception, and will continue to be so during the life of the project. Overall project planning will include a succession plan to ensure that gains made during the project are maintained or expanded.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding will be sought initially from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Jody Butler Walker
Box 32054, Whitehorse, Yukon


Y1A 5P9
Canada

Tel: 867-393-3036
Mobile: no
Fax: 867-668-5544
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation