University of Alberta delivers outreach programs to improve local community’s health

As the province’s leading higher education institution, and a hub for health research, the University of Alberta has a responsibility to strengthen the health outcomes of not only the university community but also the City of Edmonton and Alberta as a whole.

That’s why we deliver outreach programs and projects in the local community to improve and promote health and well-being including nutrition, family planning, exercise and other health and well-being related topics.

The university offers pre-clerkship medical students community outreach electives based on five themes: global health advocacy, international health, reproductive and sexual health, Indigenous health and inner-city health, an area of health advocacy that covers the many groups—often disadvantaged people and refugees—living in the city’s core. 

These electives, run by medical students, for medical students, incorporate social accountability and advocacy into students’ education and future medical practices. 

Over the course of 12 hours, students attend a session outlining the importance of social accountability, and then spend the remaining time working in the local community shadowing professionals and taking advantage of lecture opportunities.  One of the primary goals of this program is for students to assume the responsibilities of an advocate by engaging in experiential learning through interactions within the community.

The University of Alberta also houses the CHANGE Health Community Program (CHCP), a partnership between Alberta Blue Cross and the University of Alberta’s Department of Family Medicine.

This unique, free program supports families to “re-learn healthy living” in their communities, and encourages families and community members to pursue healthier lifestyles through four main areas: nutrition, physical activity, mental health and social connection. 

Families participate in weekly get-togethers where they connect socially, discuss relevant health topics, connect with health professionals and find out about local community activities. Due to COVID-19, these events have been hosted online, but CHCP plans to return to in-person. 

CHCP also hosts a private, online community group for people to connect, share stories, engage in weekly challenges and win prizes.