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Into the Woods:
An Exploration of the Health & Wellness of theResidents of Bragg Creek and Surrounding Area
Amanda BullCraig Edwards
Gary HaTara MandrykPeter OkaforMark SangerDanielle Tillie
April 8, 2016
Who We Are...We are student nurses from the University of Calgary who have been working inBragg Creek and Redwood Meadows since January 2016. As part of our learning,we have had the pleasure of developing a community health report – highlighting allthat these communities have to offer, as well as areas where we see opportunitiesfor growth. With health and wellness in mind, we spoke to numerous communitymembers, engaged with professionals in multiple fields, and immersed ourselvesinto your wonderful communities.
Left to right: Gary, Amanda, Peter, Tara, Mark, Danielle, Craig, and Shannon (instructor)
A large portion of community health is communicating with members and workingas a team to optimize wellbeing. This report is our way of showcasing theinformation we have collected thanks to your participation and willingness tointeract with us. It outlines the data we collected, how we found it, what it means,and the implications it could have going forward. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
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ASSESSMENT
ECONOMY:What we learned:
The flood of 2013 physically destroyed many local
businesses
Rental rates, surrounding store closure and lack of
foot traffic make it difficult to maintain businesses
Winter business was lost when Wintergreen closed
Bragg Creek and Area is home to "world renowned
trails"; community attracts high volumes of tourists
Stores that endorse trail usage and outdoor activity
tend to be more successful
Rocky View County, partnering consultants, and
community members are in the process of
implementing a revitalization plan in the hopes of
enhancing the hamlet's image to attract businesses
and visitors
"High employment rates,new housing, and business
developments are commonsigns for communities
with a healthy economy" (1)
"Recreation provides aform of socialization and
a means for healthy physicaland mental activity for
people outside of their family,school, and work life" (1)
RECREATION:
What we learned:
Programs are offered by both the Bragg Creek
and Redwood Meadows community centers
Challenges include finding and keeping
instructors, engaging teenagers, and low
attendance in senior's programs
Capacity to increase programming is limited by
resources
The soccer and hockey leagues bring children
from both communities together
There has been an increase in special interest
groups (e.g. artisans and performing arts)
A variety of events, such as the Bragg Creek
Days and Earth Day in Redwood Meadows,
feature a number of activities for all age groups
Our assessment was based on the Community as Partner Model, which incorporates eight areas
that can affect a community's health. We used physical observation, online research, and
interviews with community members to collect data. For an overview of the demographics of the
Bragg Creek population, refer to Appendix A: Census Data of Bragg Creek. Census data is not
available online for Redwood Meadows due to its location on Tsuu T'ina land.
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COMMUNICATION:
What we learned:
Local newspapers: Chatter in the Woods, High
Country News, Cochrane Eagle
Two very separate ways of communicating.
Bragg Creek:
Word of mouth is primary mode of communication,
potentially resulting in errors in translation and lack
of information if disconnected from the community
Bulletin board at the post office
Lack of internet for some; membership to Brain Bar
Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee Annual
Reports
Redwood Meadows:
Many modes: newsletters, bulletin boards,
community email list
All residents are known at the community centre as
they come to pay their taxes and utility bills; it is
easier to be connected to the community
"Effective and efficientcommunication is crucial
for building supportive andcollaborative relationships" (1)
"Physical factors in thenatural environment (e.g. air and water quality) arekey influences on health...housing, workplace safety,
community, and road designare also important." (2)
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
What we learned:
Proximity to river poses ongoing risk for flooding
Located in a heavily wooded area, forest fires
cause concern in dry, summer months
A portion of Bragg Creek remains unserved by
the water treatment plant
Redwood Meadows water treatment plant is
outdated
Single bridge from West Bragg into the hamlet
limits traffic mobility and emergency egress
Opportunity for development of foot pathways
and sidewalks around the Bragg Creek hamlet
Beautiful environment with 130 km of the best
trails in the world for biking, skiing, and hiking
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EDUCATION:What we learned:
Education system for Bragg Creek and area is well
developed and serviced
Children attend Banded Peak School from K8;
Springbank High School from 912
Banded Peak School has access to occupational
therapists, speech pathologists, and social workers
Many extracurricular activities (e.g. knitting with
seniors, outdoor activities, volunteer opportunities)
Primary connection to Tsuu T'ina as children from
the reservation attend the school
"Education increasesopportunities for income
and job security andgives people a sense of
control over their lives" (2)
"Safety is aprerequisiteto quality of
life" (1)
SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION:What we learned:
4 way stop is an issue impedes tourists from stopping at local
businesses during busy seasons
Difficulty for mobilityimpaired residents; walking paths are
cracked and uneven
No local bus and taxi only available on weekends; handibus is
available, but must have an appointment and pay for services
Abandoned homes and businesses are becoming a safety issue
due to structural degeneration
Nearest police authority is the RCMP in Cochrane
Flood mitigation is a concern – Springbank dry dam as opposed
to Maclean Creek; leaves Bragg Creek at risk for future flooding
Speeding on West Bragg Creek Road and illegal parking a
concern
The Ride Program assists residents unable to get to medical
appointments, run by local volunteers
Safe and Sound Program brochure mailed to all homeowners –
used for emergency alerts
Redwood Meadows Fire Department is volunteer based;
renowned training program & 7 minute response time, they
receive around 400 calls/year, excellent social media presence
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HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES:What we learned:
Residents travel to Black Diamond or Cochrane due to a lack of
laboratory services
Small rural communities face challenges with anonymity
when accessing health and social services, as a
result, people use services outside of the community
Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee and
community members are advocating for Mental Health
Clinician position funding
Care in the Creek has 3 doctors and 2 LPNs who help over
1500 patients; clinic well utilized with potential to expand
Physiotherapist, chiropractor, pharmacy, and health
food store in the area
Home Care is available to those who require it; a community
health nurse evaluates who qualifies and frequency of visits
Addictions counselor available biweekly
Food bank run out of Bragg Creek Community Centre
Local pastor offers support and guidance to community
members
"An infrastructure of a widerange of health and social services
can help people emerge fromtheir crises" (1)
"(Governments) provide formalleadership to work with
communities and reinforcecompliance to their policies" (1)
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT:What we learned:
There is a need to develop strong communication
between many levels of government and groups:
Bragg Creek has no mayor; has one elected councillor
Redwood Meadows has separate town council due to
leased land from the T'suu Tina First Nation; lease
renewal in negotiation
The BanffCochrane MLA is responsible for
Bragg Creek and area
The ChestermereRocky View MLA is responsible for
Redwood Meadows
The 4 way stop is provincial, but the land on 2 of
the 4 sides belongs to T'suu Tina
The main roads running through Bragg Creek (Hwy 22
& Whyte Ave) are provincial, but the side roads (e.g.
Balsam Ave) are county often leading to discrepancies
in maintenance
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ANALYSIS
During the analysis, we reviewed our data to identify the strengths, weaknesses,opportunities, and threats in Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows. This is known asa SWOT analysis.
Please refer to Appendix C: SWOT Analysis for more information.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats
Concept MapA concept map is used to link ideas together to identify commonalities and gaps. Ithelps to identify connections between the eight areas of the Community as Partnerassessment wheel.
Please refer to Appendix B: Concept Map for more information.
Socioecological Determinants of HealthThe interaction between social, physical, ecological, and economic conditions of acommunity will affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations (1).
Please refer to Appendix D: Socioecological Determinants of Health for moreinformation.
Logic Models
A logic model is a diagram that outlines short term, medium term, and long termgoals. It provides an overview of resources and partnerships required to achievedesired outcomes. The logic model also links the data collected during theassessment phase to our four diagnoses (2).
Please refer to Appendix E: Logic Models for more information.
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DIAGNOSISA community diagnosis focuses on a group of people with at least one commoncharacteristic. In our case, the common characteristic is geography – everyone lives inBragg Creek or Redwood Meadows. Our diagnosis explains the issues we discoveredduring data collection, identifies the factors related to the issues, and describes the“signs & symptoms” characteristic of the issues (2).
Our group came up with four diagnoses related to Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows:
Community Diagnosis #1: Promote communicationbetween the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness
Committee and the Snowbirds to enable teamwork
and strengthen connection to community.
Goal: Connect groups that have not previously been
in close contact.
Objectives: Organize a meet and greet with the Bragg Creek and
Area Wellness Committee and Snowbirds. Secure a commitment from the Wellness committee
to stay in touch with the Snowbirds.
Community Diagnosis #2: Use existing social supportnetworks to reduce barriers to accessing health services
for Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows residents.
Goal: Residents will have improved access to health
services.
Objectives: Support fair access to mental health services, including
extended hours for walkin appointments.
Create a central location to book rides for medical
appointments, possibly online.
Expand the ride program to include errands, such as
getting groceries. Advocate for lab assistant position at Care in the Creek
to collect blood samples.
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Community Diagnosis #3: Enhance thesupportive environment in Bragg Creek and
Redwood Meadows to remove fear of
recognition and increase confidentiality related
to access of the local food bank and usage of
the Ride Program and mental health services.
Goal: Provide people with the confidence
required to use the services available within
their community.
Objectives: Offer anonymous access to the Bragg Creek
food bank by arranging a time where door will
be unlocked prior to arrival. Coordinate with Cochrane Food Bank to
deliver food to people's homes. Encourage a class for Ride Program
volunteers that covers completing paperwork,
receiving reimbursement, and confidentiality. Advertise technologybased mental health
services available from home. Community Diagnosis #4: Provide suggestionsto Bragg Creek and area about economic
opportunities focused on local businesses and
tourism to complement existing revitalization plan.
Goal: Capitalize on local businesses and assets.
Objectives:
Promote trails at businesses focused on outdoor
activity.
Entice new businesses aimed at increasing
tourism, e.g. food trucks. Advertise businesses by building way finding signs
and developing better signage.
One thing we noticed during all of our activities was the huge volunteer base withinBragg Creek and Redwood Meadows. From the fire department to the TrailsAssociation to every festival and event – our diagnosis: this is a community that cares!
To determine which diagnoses to act on, we prioritized them based on certain criteria.Refer to Appendix F: Prioritizing Community Diagnoses.
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INTERVENTIONAfter creation of the logic models, we wanted an intervention that we could complete inthe limited time we had available; one that would also be most beneficial to thecommunity. Our team decided to host a community event to bridge the gap incommunication between The Snowbirds and the Bragg Creek and Area WellnessCommittee.
We hoped this community event would be instrumental in the successful delivery of ourfindings. The Snowbirds have a large, influential presence in the community; however,there are no Snowbird members on the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committeewho could provide invaluable insights on how to involve seniors. With both keyorganizations connecting and collaborating, their joint influence will assist Bragg Creekand Redwood Meadows in growing in all areas of community health physically,mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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Thank youSnowbirds for accepting usinto yourgroup!
EVALUATIONDuring our analysis, we found that certain groups, such as the Snowbirds,remained unaware of the presence and functions of the Bragg Creek andArea Wellness Committee. In an effort to address the communicationissue, we aimed to increase community connectivity and bridge the gapbetween two groups in the community by planning and implementing ameet and greet. This event included the Bragg Creek and Area WellnessCommittee and the Snowbirds in hopes of facilitating dialogue andcollaboration between the two groups.
Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness
The purpose of this meet and greet was to:
1. Introduce the Snowbirds to the Bragg Creek and Area WellnessCommittee. This is indicated by an increased awareness of the role of thecommittee. The Snowbirds were made aware of what the Bragg Creek andArea Wellness Committee have done to date and plans for the future.
2. Increase community connectivity. This would be evidenced by anincrease in membership in the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committeemeetings or increased presence at monthly meeting.
In order to measure the effectiveness of the meet and greet, we used asurvey questionnaire (see Appendix G) for the Snowbirds at the end of theevent. Furthermore, we interviewed Debbie Maclean, Wendy Farnsworth,and Eric Howey postevent to find out if they, as representatives of theBragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee, felt an increased sense ofawareness and that a relationship had been formed with the Snowbirds.
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RESULTS
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Overall, our event was a success. We gauged success on the
number of attendees, the positive feedback we received, and
the fact that the event went over the scheduled time by 30
minutes while the two groups chatted.
In attendance there were eight Snowbirds, eight members of
the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee, the seven of
us, and our instructor.
75% felt the role of the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee
was clear
87.5% deemed the information they received at the event useful and
relevant
62.5% indicated they were likely to attend a future Bragg Creek and
Area Wellness Committee meeting
All attendees felt the student nurses had been helpful in starting to
bridge the gap between the two groups and that their questions had
been addressed
After the event, we met with representatives of the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness
Committee in an effort to further evaluate our intervention. We received multiple accounts of
positive feedback, stating that the event was a success not only because of high attendance
rates, but because it allowed the committee an opportunity to meet face to face with members
of the Snowbirds. As this relationship continues to grow, we envision a ripple of health and
wellness into the community.
Moving forward, the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee is committed to
building other relationships and raising awareness of their role in this community.
Comments from members of the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committee:
"The event was a success and attendance was better than expected!"
"The face to face piece was vital."
"The door has been cracked open... the onus is on us to sustain this relationship."
The Snowbirds completed the evaluation survey after the event and the results showed:
NEXT STEPS...We are laying the foundation for future student nurses to continue working
with the Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows communities in Winter
2017. We believe that they will be able to build on the work we have done
by further strengthening relationships between fragmented groups in the
community and planning interventions related to other diagnoses. Another
area of focus could include expanding the relationship with the community
by working with the Banded Peak School.
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THANK YOUWe would like to sincerely thank all community members who took time out of theirbusy schedules to help us with this project. We couldn't have done it without you!
Additionally, we would like to thank the Bragg Creek and Area Wellness Committeefor partnering with us and supporting us through this educational opportunity!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our instructor, Shannon Parker,at [email protected] or 4032208854.
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REFERENCES
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Vollman, A.R. (2012). A Model to Guide Practice. In A.R. Vollman, E.T. Anderson, &J. McFarlane (Eds.), Canadian Community as Partner: Theory MultidisciplinaryPractice 3rd Edition (pp. 325). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott,Williams & Wilkins. (2)
Yiu, L. (2012). Community Care. In L. L. Stamler & L. Yiu (Eds.), Community HealthNursing: A Perspective 3rd Edition (pp. 213235). Toronto, Ontario: Pearson CanadaInc. (1)
Appendix A: Census Data for Hamlet of Bragg Creek
Population in 2011 595 (8.2% population change between 20062011)Population density per square km 146.7
Age: 014 (14%), 1520 (12%), 2139 (18%), 4059 (37%), 60+ (19%)Median age of population 46.8
Gender: 51% (female), 49% (male)
Marital Status: 71% (married/common law), 29% (single/divorced/widowed/separated)
Number of people per household:1 person 40, 2 people 105, 3 people 45, 4 people 30, 5 people 10, 6+ people 10
Detailed mother tongue:English 525 French 10 Non official/Aboriginal languages 55 (5 Czech, 15 German, 5 Italian, 5 Lao, 5 Punjabi, 5Polish, 5 Spanish, 5 Swedish, 5 Filipino) Language Spoken at HomeEnglish 575, French 5, German 5, Polish 5
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StrengthsLocal Pastor – sense of community, enthusiastic/engaged, networked (time/trust), creative solutions
Volunteer base – trails, fire department, festivals/events, ride program, community centre, Chamber of Commerce
Health services – Care in the Creek, foot care, ride program, mental health support, homecare available
Snowbirds selfsufficient, support group, welcoming to us, resiliency, pride, know the town, realistic
Community Center affordable, family friendly, lots of programs, community collaboration, open to all
Recreation opportunities trails, nature, potential for tourism growth, access to free outdoor activities
Banded Peak School well serviced, own occupational therapist, social work, speech therapist, outdoor learning,
programs/special events, only connection to Tsuu T'ina
Emergency response flood promoted emergency response protocol, increased flood awareness
Housing future senior housing complex, library, central hub
WeaknessesLack of Services healthcare, activities for teens, lab services, local police, acute care
Anonymity mental health, food bank, ride program
Communication Wellness Committee, mass communicate, primarily word of mouth, between groups, limited internet
access, affluence leads to isolation
Physical environment snow removal, low walkability, property maintenance, 4 way stop, no flood mitigation
Economy closing businesses, low income, expensive to live, lease complications, weak political voice
OpportunitiesEvent coplanning with Snowbirds and Bragg Creek Community Centre to bridge gaps and appeal to more seniors
Cross generational bonding
Capitalize on trails (related businesses)
Increase anonymity surrounding social services
Harm reduction education
Investigate food bank/hunger due to economy
Improve/develop communication plan
Central hub needed (outdoor area in town, recreational gathering)
Develop programs for teens – leadership group
Better/appealing signage for businesses
Advocate for mental health/social support position
Explore continued support for flood
Reorient health services (lab/blood collection)
Promote existing strengths (fire department)
Rural crime watch (community involvement)
Advocate for emergency egress (West Bragg and Wintergreen)
Expand ride program
Creating supportive environment to have groups collaborate
Advocate for healthy public policy
ThreatsDisconnected groups between and within communities
Aging volunteer population
Lack of funding for health services
Lack of interest/motivation by the community
Lack of infrastructure
Renewal of Redwood Meadows lease
Struggling economy
Appendix C: SWOT Analysis
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Income and Social StatusFood bank
Breakfast Program
Affluent individuals
Gender Level of independence
CultureSocial isolation
Senior stigma
Health Services No lab services
Limited home care services
No specialists
Uncertainty of mental health services
Anonymity concerns
Genetic EndowmentAging population
Education Community centre programs
Organized workshops
Social EnvironmentResistance to becoming urbanized
Local church well attended
Appendix D: Socioecological Determinants of Health
Physical EnvironmentThe 4 way stop
Well water
Access to nature
Emergency exit
Biking trails
Healthy Child DevelopmentRumble and roar
Suitable environment
Good schools
Personal Coping Skills Decreased activity for seniors
Local Pastor mentoring and counselling
Mental health clinician
Foot clinic
Social Support Networks Special interest groups
Family (not many people live alone)
Church
Food banks
Work and Working Conditions Closed businesses
People commute to Calgary to work
People working post retirement
Minimal employment for youth
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