Close a prison--open minds

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• Oakalla Prison closure in 1991 presented a unique community event.
• Burnaby Hospital identified an opportunity to engage the public.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a community celebration in fundraising and raising awareness for hospital needs.

Main Methods:

• A celebratory event was organized in conjunction with the closure of Oakalla Prison.
• Fundraising activities and informational outreach were key components of the event.

Main Results:

• The event successfully generated funds for Burnaby Hospital.
• Increased public awareness regarding the hospital's needs was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Community engagement through celebratory events can be an effective strategy for supporting healthcare institutions.
• Collaborative efforts between community facilities and healthcare providers can yield mutual benefits.