THUNDER BAY — A program that aims to foster better health for the wellbeing of children and their familes in the city has been recognized for its community-involved approach to research.
Lakehead University has awarded its Community Engaged Research Award to the Healthy Kids Health on the Move for Equity (HOME) Program as part of its 2025 Research and Innovation Awards of Excellence.
“This award highlights how important it is to connect research with real community needs,” said Rachel Globensky Bayes, program coordinator with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), in a written statement.
“By working closely with our partners and listening to families, we’ve been able to offer programs and services that truly make a difference, making health and wellness more accessible for everyone.”
Launched in 2020, the HOME program is a joint initiative led by the TBDHU, Our Kids Count, the City of Thunder Bay Recreation and Culture Division and the Lakehead University’s School of Kinesiology.
These partners have collaborated to provide accessible and community-driven programs for children and families in the Windsor Street, Academy Heights, Minnesota Park and Westfort neighbourhoods.
“Not only has this project impacted those in our community positively, it has united service providers citywide around a shared goal — enhancing children’s health and well-being,” said Dr. Erin Pearson, the program’s principal investigator and lead evaluator, in the media release.
“Community-based research not only harnesses everyone’s strengths and perspectives, it promotes partnerships that amplify impact. For HOME, this means keeping children and families at the heart of it all.”
Since its launch, more than 20,000 children and adults have participated in over 2,000 of the program’s health and wellness events.
These efforts have focused on improving health and well-being in "equity-deserving" neighbourhoods by addressing key barriers, including cost, childcare and transportation.
This blend of academic expertise with grassroots programming has aimed to ensure that research and work are practiced hand in hand to support the needs of Thunder Bay families.
The program will continue with grant funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, alongside in-kind contributions from community partners.
The TBDHU encourages residents to visit the initiative's website for more information about the Healthy Kids HOME Program.
