W ith an unwavering intention, The Quaich Inc. has carved a niche in the global health landscape, blending local insights with international reach. commitment to fostering innovation with social “The Quaich was born from my personal and professional journey, and given a Gaelic name meaning ‘Cup of Friendship,’” Patsy Beattie-Huggan begins, tracing the organization’s roots back to 1998. The Quaich Inc. focuses on initiatives that impact healthy communities and system change, promoting a health promotion philosophy and action on the determinants of health. “Our approach transcends academic definitions, promoting a spirit of caring, respect, social justice and a passion for collective leadership and learning together to solve societal problems,” Beattie-Huggan explains. At the heart is the Circle of Health©, a revolutionary health promotion framework developed in PEI that integrates western and Indigenous concepts and takes a holistic approach to addressing complex issues. From local vision to global reality, the approach has had impact, notably influencing medical education in Serbia, intersectoral action in Brazil, online study in Germany, as well as education, research and practice initiatives in Canada. A major challenge in health promotion today, as identified by Beattie-Huggan, is the interpretation of ‘health’ itself — often seen merely as the absence of illness rather than a resource for living. The Quaich Inc. addresses this challenge by advocating for a shift in the understanding of health as a balance of mental and physical health, nurtured by social connection and impacted by the context in which we live. Innovation is key to The Quaich Inc.’s strategy to enhance public health outcomes. From initiating the Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities (ASI) in 2003, to partnering with universities for online education, the company continually
▲ (L-R) Patsy Beattie-Huggan and Ellen Theuerkauf
innovates to broaden its impact. The Circle of Health framework is integral to their consulting, training and e-commerce initiatives, fostering a values-based approach to health promotion with clients and the company itself. “Our staff are empowered to develop a range of skills and select career paths which draw on their talents, benefiting both themselves and the company. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal well-being and professional growth,” she adds, highlighting her commitment to fostering a workforce empowered to participate in the knowledge economy and in life. Staying ahead in adapting to global health trends involves participation in international conferences, committees and continuous learning. “We engage with diverse stakeholders, read extensively and utilize various information sources to inform our strategies and services,” Beattie- Huggan notes, emphasizing the importance of a broad perspective. Tailoring services to meet diverse needs involves relationships, understanding desired outcomes, mixed methods, and maximizing online platforms to connect staff and support clients remotely. The Quaich Inc. strives to influence health policy through its broad networks and knowledge base, contributing to local initiatives such as establishing 211 services on
PEI and facilitating regional policy collaborations, such as the ASI policy brief for upstream investment in infant, child and youth mental health promotion. Looking forward, The Quaich Inc. will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Atlantic Summer Institute and expand online education initiatives, remaining open to new opportunities for advancing its mission. Beattie-Huggan concludes, “Through advocacy, partnerships, policy collaborations and capacity- building initiatives, we are promoting investment in communities as it benefits individuals and also creates resilient and thriving societies.” Join The Quaich Inc. in their mission to promote holistic health, empowerment and social justice across communities. Engage with their expertise to navigate the complex landscape of public health and become part of a movement towards a healthier, more equitable world.
THE QUAICH INC.
Charlottetown 902.894.3399 info@thequaich.pe.ca thequaich.pe.ca
SPRING24 www.pei-living.ca
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