Related Links
Want to learn more about Healthy Communities? Check out these links for further learning and organizations that will help your community work for all members.
Learn More about Healthy Communities
The BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society (BCAHL) is a group of provincial organizations advancing healthy public policies, programs, and environments to support the health and well-being of British Columbians. Over 184 local governments, 4,300 health and recreation professionals, and 40,000 volunteers comprise BCAHL’s membership base dedicated to reducing health inequities that contribute to chronic disease.
Visit the BCAHL website to learn more.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is a public health program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) with a mandate to promote and protect health while reducing and preventing harm. The BCCDC works across multiple sectors, including service delivery, policy advising and consultation, and leading research about communicable and chronic diseases in BC. The BCCDC is a leader in promoting the use of a public health lens in provincial and municipal policies to create healthier communities for all.
Visit the BCCDC website to learn more.
The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), a not for profit organization, plays a central role in leading the enrichment and improvement of the quality of life of British Columbians and their communities by championing the power of recreation and parks. Since 1958, they have provided leadership, training and support, fostering the principles of accessibility and inclusiveness, to help our members meet provincial and local health and physical activity priorities that improve the quality of life of every British Columbian.
Visit the BCRPA website to learn more.
The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) is one of six national collaborating centres about public health, and focuses specifically on taking action to reduce health disparities related to the social determinants of health. The NCCDH conducts thorough research assessing and reporting on health inequities, partners with other organizations to develop policy, and produces resources integrating health and equity into public policy.
Visit the NCCDH website to learn more.
ChangeLab Solutions is an American-based organization dedicated to creating equitable laws and policies promoting healthy living across the United States. The organization uses the guiding principles of health equity, expertise and evidence, collaboration and partnership, and sharing and building knowledge to works towards creating healthy communities.
Visit ChangeLab Solutions’ website to learn more and access learning opportunities.
Health Authorities & Public Health Organizations
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) works with health authorities across BC to improve access to services and reduce chronic diseases through health promotion. PHSA provides specialized frontline service delivery, collaborates with health authorities to plan, coordinate and evaluate regional services, and is a leading public health research organization.
Visit the PHSA website to learn more
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the first province-wide Indigenous-led health authority in Canada. The FNHA partners with over 200 First Nations communities to coordinate and deliver culturally-safe programs and services and close service gaps by strengthening partnerships with the Province of BC and regional health authorities.
Visit the FNHA website to learn more, or email their Community Development team.
Regional health authorities are valuable partners in creating healthy communities. Click on your health authority below to visit their website or use this map to find out which health authority is responsible for your community.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is the federal institution responsible for health promotion focused on chronic disease prevention, injury reduction, and promoting mental and physical well-being. The agency is responsible for monitoring and reporting public health risks, conducting research, and educating Canadians on travel health.
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website to learn more.
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) advocates for public health integration into all levels of government, with a focus on health equity and social justice. The CPHA advocates for public health reform to create a system where everyone can be healthy regardless of social, political, or economic inequities.
Visit the CPHA website to learn more.
Resource Catalogues
The BC Climate Action Toolkit provides information, resources, policies and training for local governments taking action to address climate change in their communities. Updated regularly, the Reports & Guides section of their website is a robust collection of planning and strategic guides to aid local governments in creating climate policies and plans.
The City for All Women Initiative, based in Ottawa, is a multi-sectoral partnership between community organizations, academia, and municipalities working to advance gender equality and inclusivity. Their publications range from equity and inclusion handbooks to civic engagement toolkits and are useful resources for local government staff across Canada.
The BC Food Security Gateway is a website maintained by the Provincial Health Services Authority that features resources, information, and projects addressing food security in BC. The website features a robust resource catalogue updated frequently with new publications designed to inform food security policies and initiatives.
The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) is one of seven public health research centres in Canada, focusing on health equity and the social determinants of health. Their resource library is full of relevant resources produced by the NCCDH, as well as curated lists of external publications.
The Minnesota Department of Health maintains a resource library focused on advancing health equity in public health, with many publications also incorporating intersectionality with other practices, such as community engagement and communications. Many featured resources are from Canadian and international contexts.
The Canadian Public Health Association features a comprehensive list of resources addressing the social determinants of health, including specific publications that examine the economic perspective of health. These resources include Canadian policies and research.
CivicInfoBC maintains a planning guides database featuring resources submitted by a variety of organizations, with many guides designed specifically to be used by local governments in BC. The database is updated as new documents are submitted.
ChangeLab Solutions maintains a resource catalogue called Tools for Change, focused on improving community health. Though they are located in the United States, many of these resources can be applied to BC contexts.