CHANGE Health Alberta is a community-based program, housed out of the University of Alberta, working to create a new model of health service delivery that supports preventive, personalized and community-relevant care to Albertans.
In 2019, Alberta Blue Cross® partnered with Dr. Doug Klein of the University of Alberta’s Department of Family Medicine and his team to launch CHANGE Health Community Program (CHCP), which supports families as they come together to “re-learn healthy living” in their communities. Health professionals, such as dietitians, exercise specialists and mental health clinicians help guide these sessions and respond to questions that families might have.
CHCP engages families and community members in pursuing a healthier lifestyle through four main areas:
- nutrition,
- physical activity,
- mental health, and
- social connection.
What does the CHCP offer?
Families participate in weekly online get-togethers where they connect socially, discuss relevant health topics, connect with health professionals and find out about local community activities. There is also a private, online community group for people to connect, share stories, engage in weekly challenges and win prizes.
While they have shifted to online programming due to COVID-19, CHCP plans to return to in-person programming as soon as it is safe to do so. They look forward to meeting in local communities to enjoy cooking classes, various outdoor activities and sessions that focus on improving relationships, being more mindful of our mental health and being more involved in our community. The CHCP team and health professionals work to personalize this experience and focus on the areas and goals that are meaningful and achievable.
How do I sign up?
CHCP welcomes all families in Alberta to join them to stay connected, meet new families and learn how to incorporate healthy activities into busy family life. The program is offered at no cost to families.
Visit https://changehealth.ca/chcp to learn more and sign up.
