November 4, 2021
EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is recruiting new volunteer members to Health Advisory Councils in northern and central Alberta.
Members provide advice to AHS based on local or provincewide healthcare services. Terms on the 12 geographically based Health Advisory Councils are for three years with an opportunity for renewal for a maximum of six years.
“AHS is committed to providing the best public healthcare possible, and we are better positioned to do that when we hear from and listen to Albertans,” says AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. “Advisory councils are an invaluable connection to community and the feedback they provide helps AHS deliver the best healthcare possible. Joining a council ensures the voices of communities are represented at the decision-making table.”
The contributions of councils during the pandemic have been remarkable, says Colleen Turner, Vice President, Community Engagement and Communications.
“Members have been heavily engaged in AHS’ COVID-19 response, providing input on a range of topics such as visiting restrictions, the critical care triage protocol, and assisting us in sharing relevant and emerging information with their communities.”
In addition, Health Advisory Councils hosted more than 24 virtual engagement events over the past two years, reaching about 1,900 public participants at meetings and events.
Health Advisory Councils consist of a maximum of 15 volunteer members, all of whom are:
AHS is also recruiting members to Provincial Advisory Councils for cancer care as well as for addiction and mental health. Roles on these Provincial Advisory Councils are ideally suited to people who have lived experience with cancer or addiction and mental health matters.
All advisory councils meet three to four times per year and host one to two engagement events annually.
Members learn of AHS initiatives and discuss information gathered from communities about healthcare priorities that impact them.
Interested Albertans over the age of 18 are asked to submit an expression of interest form, available here, or by emailing community.engagement@ahs.ca. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 22.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
