Health And Wellness

The University of Alberta drives local community health improvements through collaborative outreach programs and projects

The University of Alberta goes beyond campus to improve health across Edmonton and Alberta. Through student-led programs, volunteer clinics, and initiatives like the CHANGE Health Community Program, we support families, underserved communities, and newcomers in living healthier lives.

  • Riley Tjosvold and Anagha Devkota
  • 1 November 2023

As the province’s leading higher education institution, and a hub for health research, the University of Alberta has a responsibility to improve 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 a variety of 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 medical students learning opportunities in selected areas of interest through Communities of Learning. The Social Justice Community of Service allows students to interact with people from underserved communities, work on various health initiatives and gain a deeper understanding of social justice and health equity to better serve our communities. 

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 kids and 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. 

Volunteer and student-led associations also play a key role in delivering health outreach programs to underserved communities in Edmonton. The Black Medical Students’ Association organizes an annual Health Fair to provide culturally safe and inclusive access to health-care information and resources for people of colour, racialized and immigrant communities. 

Another example is the volunteer dental clinic that offers care for the Citizens of the Metis National of Alberta (MNA) who do not have extended health benefits and are underserved. The student volunteers participating gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of providing a culturally safe environment for underserved community members to access care. 

The university also works in partnerships with local groups to provide much needed support for displaced or refugee communities. The New Canadians Health Centre is a dedicated health centre for refugees that aims to improve the health and well-being of refugees and displaced individuals through culturally safe health care that allows them to successfully integrate into the community.