The Honourable Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika, was at the Vulcan Community Health Centre on Monday, March 3. The Act4Health Committee (which is comprised of representatives from AHS, Vulcan and Region FCSS, Rainbow Literacy and Learning Society, Community Members, and the Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation) had a chance to share the work they have been doing with him, including the Social Prescribing project. Each organization member shared a bit about their work, and he got a tour of our local Community Health Centre. Thank you to Mr. Schow for listening and learning about what is happening in Vulcan County and rural communities.

The Road to Success: A Comprehensive Community Cancer Prevention Project

Between 2015 and 2019, 16 rural communities partnered with Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund (ACPLF) to pilot The Road to Success: Comprehensive Community Cancer Prevention Project.

Vulcan’s journey started with the creation of Act 4 Health, an active group of community members that came together in February 2016. ACT 4 Health is grounded on four pillars of cancer prevention (healthy eating, active living, limiting UV exposure, and community connections). The team is comprised of representatives from the following five sectors:

1. Community-at-large: 

2. Community facilities and organizations: 

3. Healthcare: 

4. Workplaces: 

5. Schools: 

In addition to the core team, five key, ongoing partnerships were created with the Vulcan County Food Bank, Market Street Vulcan, the Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation, Vulcan Golf and Country Club and the Vulcan Country Early Childhood Development Coalition.

For a complete Community Impact Report highlighting Vulcan’s journey through this project, Click HERE.

Our Story Now…

In Canada, nearly 100% of seniors aged 65 and older plan on supporting themselves to live safely and independently in their own home for as long as possible.

For those who lack natural supports like family relationships, community-based programs help complement their medical care. This allows older adults to experience greater independence and helps reduce the length and frequency of hospital stays.

Over 80% of a person’s health depends on social determinants of health like adequate food, housing, income and relationships with others.

Social prescribing bridges the gap between medical and social care services. When older adults present with non-medical symptoms like loneliness, healthcare professionals can refer them to community-based programs to enhance their quality of life. READ MORE

ACT4HEALTH values the knowledge transfer and flexible response gained through a working coalition. They continue to meet regularly to share resources and problem-solve to meet the needs of community sectors. 

Vulcan and the surrounding area continue to benefit from their leadership.