Health Resources

If you are experiencing pain or distress due to your own, or a loved one’s, Residential School experience, please call the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. It is available 24/7.

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    Health Management

    ALBERTA’S HEALTH SYSTEM- ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

    Health Link Alberta provides Alberta-based and physician-approved information about more than 1,000 health topics ranging from diseases to healthy living and disease prevention.

    Phone: 811

    Alberta Health Services provides health information about wellness and healthy living, nutrition, emergency health services, immunization, and much more. 

    Alberta Health is responsible for the planning and delivery of health supports and services for Albertans.

    Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan is the basic health insurance plan for Alberta resident to cover medically necessary hospital and health care services. 

    ARTHRITIS

    The Arthritis Society is a national health charity, fueled by donors and volunteers, with a vision to live in a world where people are free from the devastating effects that arthritis has on lives.

    ASTHMA

    The Asthma Society of Canada‘s mission is to help Canadians with asthma lead healthy lives through education, advocacy, and research.

    ADVANCED CARE PLANNING

    AHS has provided a document entitled “Advance Care Planning– Goals of Care” to help you think, document and talk about your wishes for health care.

    Canadian Virtual Hospice provides information and support on palliative and end-of-life care, loss and grief.

    Advanced Care Planning is an informative website about advanced care planning in Canada. It provides links to resources for every province regarding personal directives and goals of care.

    CANCER CARE

    Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

    CAREGIVER SUPPORT

    Caregivers Alberta- Caring for Caregivers provides training and support for the primary caregivers. They work to empower and promote the well-being of caregivers. 

    DIABETES

    The Canadian Diabetes Association leads the fight against diabetes by helping those affected by diabetes live healthy lives, preventing the onset and consequences of diabetes, and discovering a cure.

    HEALTH CANADA

    Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.

    HEALTH EDUCATION AND LEARNING

    HEAL is a resource aimed at providing families across Alberta easily accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children.

    HEALTH SCREENING

    Screening for Life promotes early cancer detection by making breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening a priority.

    HEART HEALTH

    The Heart and Stroke Foundation is dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke through public education and advanced research. 

    Hypertension Canada provides information about blood pressure and hypertension prevention and treatment.

    MEDICATION MANAGMENT

    The Alberta Health Services Medication List was introduced to help individuals and families keep track of their medication safely. 

    PARKINSON’S

    Parkinson Canada provides information and resources for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

    PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE OPTIONS

    Here’s an informative video reviewing prescription coverage options available to patients that do not have access to a drug plan.

    PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

    Active for Life is the place where parents go to learn about how to make a difference in the health and happiness of their children.

    Prescription to Get Active emphasizes the importance of physical activity in working towards a healthier life. Their goal is to break down barriers to exercise and promote active living.

    Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is the principal body for physical activity, health and fitness research and personal training in Canada.

    SMOKING CESSATION

    Alberta Quits is a free, interactive and self-guided program intended to encourage Albertans to quit smoking.

    Maternity

    PRENATAL RESOURCES

    The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada provides evidence-based information about pregnancy and childbirth in Canada. 

    Your Prenatal Care Booklet is a one-stop-shop resource that answers the most commonly asked questions about pregnancy and childbirth. 

    Health for Two  is a free program that provides education/information, support and resources for people that need help to have a healthy pregnancy. 

    Healthy Parents Healthy Children is an informative site designed by Alberta Health to give parents the tools they need to best take care of themselves and their child(ren). 

    Guide to Healthy Pregnancy by Government of Canada is a federal resource to guide you through a healthy pregnancy.

    Learn what cord blood is and the importance of cord blood banking with the Cord Blood Banking Guide by the Government of Canada.

    PRENATAL EDUCATION

    Birth and Babies offers free, currently virtual, prenatal classes intended to make birthing people feel knowledgeable, prepared, and involved in their pregnancy and birth.

    Birth and Babies also offers a  self directed online early pregnancy health course intended to help birthing people have a healthy, safe pregnancy.

    Mommy Connections – West Edmonton holds informative sessions led by local experts where parents have the opportunity to connect with other parents that are experiencing similar things as you. 

    NUTRITION

    Food Safety Resources for Pregnant Women by Government of Canada  outlines safe and risky foods in pregnancy as well as a safe food-handling guide.

     Breastfeeding takes time, education, and patience. Alberta Health has put together a guide to Breastfeeding Your Baby to help those breastfeeding feel confident and capable.

    Feeding your baby formula provides them with the nutrition they need. Learn how to safely store and prepare it, as well as learn how to determine how much formula your baby needs with Alberta Health’s Feeding Your Baby Infant Formula guide.

    Alberta Health has created a guide to Feeding Your Baby Solid Foods from 6-12 Months of Age to ensure safety as your child is introduced to solid foods.

    Learn to make healthy eating decisions during pregnancy with this Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy guide.

    Edmonton has an abundance of resources to support breastfeeding parents. Here is a Directory of local resources for breastfeeding support. Additionally,La Leche League Canada holds weekly virtual meetings.

    EXERCISE

    Navigate how to maintain or introduce physical activity during pregnancy with the Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy.

    VACCINATIONS

    Learn about the benefits vaccinations have in pregnancy for you and your baby with the Vaccination and Pregnancy guideline by the Government of Canada.

    GENETIC SCREENING

    Alberta Health has provided information on Prenatal Screening and Testing to better define what prenatal screening and diagnosing means and how they can determine health risks for developing babies. 

    GESTATIONAL DIABETES

    Diabetes – Pregnancy  offers support and education for those with gestational diabetes and those that have Diabetes Type 1 or 2 that are pregnant.

    Diabetes Canada has put together information on understanding gestational diabetes and how to live with it.

    POST-PARTUM SUPPORT

    Healthy Parents Healthy Children is a collection of resources put together by Alberta Health intended to support families with health information as they need it in the postpartum period and beyond.

    Family

    MENTAL HEALTH

    Catholic Social Services offers a Family Enrichment Program to help parents form better relationships with their families.

    Kids Kottage Foundation is a crisis prevention and early intervention service intended to keep children safe, no matter what their family may be dealing with.

    The Family Centre offers counselling services, classes, and group programs to connect families and improve relationships.

    PARENTING RESOURCES

    Jasper Place Family Resource Centre provides connection to resources for every age and stage of parenting to help families thrive. 

    VACCINATIONS

    Learn about the benefits vaccinations have in pregnancy for you and your baby with the Vaccination and Pregnancy guideline by the Government of Canada.

    Mental Health

    Individuals that require access to adult mental health and addictions services can call Access 24/7 at (780) 424-2424. This service is available at any time, any day of the week.

    Nutrition

    ABUSE

    Stop Abuse in Families (S.A.I.F.) Society 
    works to promote healthy, safe and respectful relationships in local communities through counselling, group programs and education programs.

     

    The YWCA of Edmonton offers a Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group  on a weekly basis.

     

    Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE)
    offers support to sexual violence survivors through counselling, policy and court support, and public education.

     

    SAGE (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton) 
    runs a seniors safe house for those over 60 experiencing elder abuse of any kind. There, older folks can find safety, shelter and support for up to 60 days. 

     

    Children’s Services offer support to families, children and youth in Alberta. They also offer culturally competent support through Metis, Indigenous, and First Nation Children’s Services offices. 

    Catholic Social Services offers a variety of support to victims of abuse through emergency supportive housing and counselling.

    ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

    ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton offers information and support to those living with ADHD through awareness, education, and resources.

    ANGER

    The Family Centre offers an anger management course.

    Edmonton Family Violence Prevention Centre offers group therapy for those that have been abusive, or are abusive, to their partners and want to learn how to have healthy relationships.


    Catholic Social Services offers a Family Enrichment Program to help parents improve their relationships with their families.

    ANXIETY

    AHS’ Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention initiative has put together a guide to Depression and Anxiety Self-Management for Teens.

    Teen Help offers information on anxiety in teens. 

    St. Albert and Sturgeon County PCN’s Self-isolation resources and activities

    BODY ACCEPTANCE

    AHS has put together a guide to Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Body Image, as well as a guide to Learning About a Healthy Body Image.

     

    BULLYING

    The Government of Alberta offers a variety of tools, resources, and support to address and stop bullying.

    CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
    CRISIS SERVICES

    Crisis Line for Adults:
    If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, Call 780-342-7777.

    Crisis Line for Children:
    For phone support for children and teens during a crisis, Call 780-427-4491.

    DEPRESSION

    Depression Hurts works to inform the public about depression and how to get help.

    The Antidepressant Skills Workbook (ASW) is a “self-care manual based on scientific research about which strategies work best in managing depression” and is available online for free.

    Dealing with Depression is a “workbook for teens that explains depression and teaches three main antidepressant skills you can use to help overcome or prevent it” and is available online for free.

    EATING DISORDER

    The University of Alberta Hospital offers an inpatient eating disorder program for Albertans 14+, referral required. 

    Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta  offers education, support, and information on treatment options for eating disorders in the province.

    National Eating Disorder Information Center  provides information and support to Canadians experiencing or affected by eating disorders. Hotline: 1-866-633-4220

    Recovery Road (app) keeps track of eating disorder recovery and can connect with clinicians directly. Patients and clinicians can share meal plans, meal logs, and treatment progress through the app.  

    FAMILIES SUPPORTING ADULTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

    Families supporting Adults with Mental Illness in Alberta (FAMI-Alberta) is a community of family members supporting one another and advocate for improved treatment for those living with serious mental illness. 

    GRIEF (BEREAVEMENT)

    Pilgrim’s Hospice offers “compassionate care for individuals living with a terminal illness, enhancing dignity and quality of life, until the end of life.” They are Edmonton-based and offer a variety of supports from hospice day programs to community outreach.

    Rainbows offers programming to help children and youth grieve and learn to cope with their grief in a safe and comforting environment.

    INDIGENOUS SUPPORTS

    Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line, available 24/7 to Residential School survivors and their families at 1-866-925-4419.

    The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides culturally competent, immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all FNMI peoples in Canada. Available over the phone in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat in English and French. Both are 24/7 services. 

    LGBTQ2S+

    Brite Line  is an Edmonton-based mental health and wellness helpline dedicated to supporting LGBTQ2S+ folks. Created by members of the community, for the community. Hotline: 1-844-702-7483

    MINDFULNESS

    SLEEP

    A Sleep Hygiene patient resource has been developed to help folks have more restful and effective sleep.

    STRESS

    EWPCN has developed a patient resource to help folks identify when they are struggling and how to reduce stress.

    SUBSTANCE ABUSE

    Alberta Health Services Addiction Support directory and information.

    BABIES & EARLY NUTRITION

    Alberta Health’s guide to Feeding Baby Solid Foods from 6-12 Months of Age.

    How to Build a Healthy Toddler and Preschooler provides information on feeding children 18 to 35 months old.

    “The Feeding Relationship” is an informative video that explains the importance of helping your child develop healthy eating habits.

    CELIAC

    The Canadian Celiac Association is the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, and is dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life.

    CHILDREN & FAMILIES

    Unlock Food, an initiative created by Dietitians of Canada, has put together a guide to Children’s Nutrition.

    Alberta Health Services offers a Good-bye Meal time Struggles Workshop. *Please note the workshop is currently not offered due to COVID-19. 

    Raising our Healthy Kids “is a series of 60-90 second videos with up-to-date health information for parents and care providers. These short snappy videos will help Canadian families live healthier lives.”


    Top 10 Easy Ways to Get Teens Cooking

    COOKING & MEAL PLANNING

     Cookspiration, created by Dietitians of Canada, offers recipe ideas and a meal planning feature.

    Unlock Food’s 10 Tips for Planning Meals on a Budget.

    Better Together BC has a collection of healthy and easy recipe ideas.

    Unlock Food’s Family Friendly One Week Sample Menu Plan to help you get started with meal planning in your household.

    Meal planning using Canada’s Food Guide.

    DIABETES & PREDIABETES

    The Canadian Diabetes Association leads the fight against diabetes by helping those affected by diabetes live healthy lives, preventing the onset and consequences of diabetes, and discovering a cure.

    Unlock Food’s guide to 
    Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes.

    GENERAL NUTRITION

    Canada’s Food Guide offers healthy eating advice, recipes, and tips for Canadians.

    Healthy Eating Starts Here is an AHS guide full of evidence-based resources for key nutrition topics.

    Unlock Food is an initiative put togethers by Dietitians of Canada intended to provide Canadians with expert guidance when making everyday food choices.

    HEART HEALTH

    AHS’ guide to living A Healthy Lifestyle to Improve Cholesterol and Triglycerides.

    Unlock Food’s tips for preventing heart disease and improving heart health.

    AHS’ guide to Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices to Manage Blood Pressure.

    OLDER ADULTS

    Alberta Health’s guide to  Healthy Eating and Older Adults.

    Care instructions put together by Alberta Health to improve nutrition for older adults.

    Unlock Food’s tips for Senior Nutrition.

    MINDFUL EATING

    Canada Food Guide’s introduction to Be Mindful of Your Eating Habits.

    HealthLink BC’s infosheet how to identify and deal with Emotional Eating.

    The Calgary Adult Bariatric Surgery Clinic has put together an on-demand workshop called “Set Yourself Up for Success” for those experiencing obesity that want to use mindful eating to make lifestyle changes.

     

    WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

    AHS’ guide to Healthy Snacking.

    Alberta Health offers an online weight management workshop entitled “Your Best Health”  to introduce folks to an evidence-based to managing your weight and health.

    Obesity Canada’s Let’s Talk About Weight- No Size Fit All booklet that discusses the complexity of weight and living a healthy lifestyle.

    Unlock Food’s guide to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

    Financial

    FOOD SECURITY

    211-Alberta  offers a directory of where to find low-cost/free meals in Edmonton.

    Edmonton Food Bank works to eradicate food insecurity in our city. They provide food free-of-charge to those in need.

    Food4good  is the food programming division of the Jasper Place Wellness Centre, and works to address food insecurity in Edmonton’s West End. 

    PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

    Here’s an informative video reviewing prescription coverage options available to patients that do not have access to a drug plan.

    Senior's Health

    AHS CONTINUING CARE

    Continuing Care provides aging folks with the support they need to maintain an active and fulfilling life.

    DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMERS

    Dementia Advice Line is a service provided through Health Link. Call 811 to access the hot line.

    Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories provides support to those experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia and those caregiving for folks experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. 

    DRIVING

    AMA/CAA’s Driving Portal offers information for aging drivers.

    DriveAble offers driving fitness assessments across Canada.

    FALLS PREVENTION

    Finding Balance is designed to increase awareness of falls prevention among older Albertans.