Monday's (November 6) City Council meeting included a quarterly update from members of the Airdrie and Area Health Benefits Cooperative (AAHBC).

New CEO Bruce Graham, Chief Health Officer Tom Feasby and Dr. Julian Kyne presented information to Council on AAHBC's progress.

Feasby reiterated the AAHBC's goal is to help Airdronians own their own health and make Airdrie Canada's healthiest community. Feasby pointed out that 80 percent of what makes people healthy are "health determinants" that exist outside of the healthcare system. AAHBC hopes to address those determinants of health, which can include food, poverty, education and living conditions. Feasby also highlighted that the priority at this stage is community engagement. The organization is currently engaging with key community groups, with engagement of the wider community coming later.

Dr. Kyne said the goals of AAHBC will only be met by the entire community pulling together. According to Kyne, they've been examining what the City's role in meeting the goals is, since healthcare is not the City's jurisdiction.

Graham went through some of the key outcomes and milestones that they've achieved this year, and that they hope to achieve next year. This year, the cooperative has engaged stakeholder organizations as well as residents, identified critical partners including Alberta Health Services, Alberta Health, and the Primary Care Network, and raised $800,000. By mid-2018, they hope to identify a site and begin conceptual designs for a new health park, implement a digital strategy and have a funding plan in place.

Council accepted the report for information.

 

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