This commitment is what led us to fund a 360° COVID-19 review, completed at the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), that sought to understand the way its own structures, policies practices, norms, and values upheld white supremacy and Indigenous-specific racism during the OPHO COVID-19 response.

This work was conducted by the Unlearning & Undoing White Supremacy & Indigenous-Specific Racism Lab for population and public health (U&U Lab), led by Co-Principal Investigators Dr Danièle Behn Smith, (Eh Cho Dene of Fort Nelson First Nation and Franco-Manitobain/Métis from the Red River Valley), Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health, and Dr Kate Jongbloed (white occupier), Senior Scientist at the BCCDC, with support from Research Coordinator Kristen White, and Research Assistant Chelsey Perry.

In dialogue with Indigenous partners, the U&U Lab reviewed the OPHO policies and processes used to make decisions during the state of emergency. This work was prompted by In Plain Sight recommendation 15, which asks for the BC government, the Provincial Health Officer, and other governing bodies, to develop a robust Indigenous pandemic response planning structure that addresses issues that arose in the context of COVID-19.

The goal of this work was to:

• Illuminate which OPHO structures, policies, practices, norms, and values upheld systemic white supremacy and racism during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

• Catalogue the central issues that arose within the OPHO’s sphere of influence during the COVID-19 state of emergency​.

• Share findings with public health leadership, to help develop and implement anti-racist pandemic response strategies for future public health threats.

The review identified several main issues — what the U&U Lab calls ‘colonial knots’ — that contributed to anti-Indigenous racism during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Among these issues were:

Whiteness in decision making

• Health systems founded on settler colonialism, whiteness and the decisions of white occupiers continue to reinforce white supremacy and Indigenous-specific racism.

Public health is not yet trustworthy

• Both historical (small pox response, Indian hospitals, Residential Schools, H1N1 response) and current (the child welfare system where, as of 2021, 53.8% of children in foster care are Indigenous, despite being only 7.7% of Canada’s child population) systemic anti-Indigenous racism demonstrate why there is ongoing distrust of the Canadian public health system.

Settler dominance & Indigenous invisibility

• Due to the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples in Canada, settlers outnumber Indigenous people 96:4. Because of this, OPHO state of emergency orders often did not reflect shared decision making or the health interests of Indigenous peoples.

Barriers to exercising jurisdiction and legal pluralisms not upheld

• COVID-19 brought into focus the government and public health structures that actively prevent First Nations from exercising their inherent rights to jurisdiction and health sovereignty. BC First Nations had to fight to exercise decision-making over their land through community protection blockades to protect collective well-being.

Baseline under-resourcing of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governing bodies & organizations

• Indigenous-led health organizations in BC, i.e. FNHA, Métis Nation BC, and First Nation band health departments play a critical role in delivering comprehensive care and addressing public health crises, including COVID-19, toxic drug poisonings, climate change, etc. Organizations and communities also carry the weight of responding to ongoing colonial violence and racism (e.g., unmarked graves at Kamloops Residential School).

Data sovereignty is not fully realized

• The programming and infrastructure needed to fully implement First Nations, Métis and Inuit data sovereignty does not currently exist, and without this data, it made self-determination for Indigenous peoples very difficult during COVID-19.

Accountability to Indigenous peoples not accepted by system

• Directives, like the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Commission’s Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice, In Plain Sight Recommendations, among others, are legal, institutional, and professional obligations, yet many remain unmet.

The issues identified in this review have real world consequences. Racism in healthcare, and the subsequent distrust in the health system, including public health, creates poorer health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. The work of Truth and Reconciliation begins by finding and daylighting the truth. Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper, Shane Pointe, (Sulksun) gifted six teachings to the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), where this work took place. One of these teachings, “Thee Eat”, translates to “tell the Truth”.

 “We all must not deny the truth of the history and we must remain committed to addressing it.” – Sulksun

This review takes Sulksun’s teaching to heart by telling a difficult truth — revealing that during the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic white supremacy negatively impacted the health of Indigenous peoples in BC. This is something that Indigenous peoples have always known, but the settler system is now seeing the truth. The U&U Lab is now sharing these findings with public health leadership, to develop and implement anti-racist pandemic response strategies before our province is impacted by another public health threat. This work is also providing insight into upholding Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and anti-racism in the current toxic drug poisoning emergency that is disproportionately impacting First Nations people in BC, and contributing to a decrease in life expectancy.

We are so grateful to our donors for helping us support programs that uphold Indigenous rights, work toward reconciliation, and help to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in public health. Together, we are having an immediate and measurable health impact in communities across BC, and together, we are advancing equity and social justice for all.

The post Speaking the Truth about Indigenous-Specific Racism during COVID-19 appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Matt, (our newly-appointed) Chief Operations Officer: How I was feeling after the 5K? Drained, dizzy, sweaty. Print that. One of the thoughts going through my head was how everyone was supporting one another’s success. Some folks were walking with friends, others were running solo. Some were faster at finishing than others. But people were celebrating as a team and with the broader running group when people crossed the finish line. Similar to public health, our broader population health is more impactful than any one individual’s gain. If we focus on lifting one another up, ensuring people reach the finish line together but in the way they need (equity), we create a better experience for everyone.

Stacey, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications: I was incredibly inspired to have our whole team show up, together. It really showcased the type of team we are, and our shared passion and commitment to the organization and our cause. It was also fantastic to see all the folks come together — the energy of the run was great, and it felt like a really positive space.

Emily, Program Coordinator: I felt very inspired, not only by how our entire team came together but also how many other organizations showed up to support their cause. It was uplifting to see so many people come together in one space.

Deanne, Marketing and Communications Officer: I couldn’t believe how many people were there! We could all feel the excitement and joy in the air. There were people participating in all different ways, from those in wheelchairs, to those pushing strollers, and some even carrying their little ones! It made me grateful to live in a place that has so many caring people, giving up their time and energy to support others. And there was minimal whining from my kids. What a great experience!

Tracy, Senior Development Officer: It was an amazing day with our team — a day filled with heart and unity — inspiring to witness the community come together in support of so many great causes!

Maddie, Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator: I love being active, and it was such a fun change of pace to share that experience with coworkers I don’t usually get to connect with in that way. (And she’s not one to brag, but Maddie finished the 5K in only 21 minutes and 33 seconds, 20^th out of the 668 women who participated and definitely the speediest of all our team members!)

And will we be at the 2026 Vancouver Half? That’s a resounding yes! We may even set a new fundraising goal. Our collective commitment to the projects we support does not waiver, and we are proud to run, walk, and roll to raise money and help fund public health innovations that make the communities in our province safe and healthy. If you missed your chance to sponsor us at the 5K, you can donate to our organization anytime on our website.

The post In the Community: Reflections on the Vancouver Half Charity Challenge appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Sarah Dai is a grade 11 student who is quickly approaching the end of high school, the realities of adulthood, and planning for her future. Lucky for us, she is someone who cares deeply about her community, the healthcare system, education, and how public health contributes to the betterment of society.

As a volunteer for our Foundation, Sarah has learned even more about the power and impact of a robust public health system, and how we can all play a role in building a healthier future. We sat down with her to chat about her interest in public health, and when asked how she feels about what can be done to improve our public health system, she responded,

 “We youth lack proper education about the concept of public health and its importance. When most think about public health, their first thought is physical or mental health. In reality, public health is shaped by all aspects of life including education, income, social and physical environment, food access, and even politics. Considering public health in a vacuum fails to acknowledge the significance of social determinants. Importantly, we can only make meaningful change when we understand that public health exists as part of a wider socioeconomic ecosystem and is often determined by inequity and injustice, rather than simply biology or genealogy.”

Sarah also thinks that students should be educated about public health earlier on, more often, and told about the many career opportunities available within the public health system, to help alleviate current workforce shortages. 

With the current threats of climate change, a toxic drug emergency, mental health crises, and poor health outcomes due to inequity, we need young, passionate advocates like Sarah to bring her curiosity and caring to public health, shaping a safer and healthier future.

“We can build a more resilient future. With a stronger public health education, youth will be better equipped to face future challenges, especially climate change. Prevention, protection, and promotion mean creating a safer world for future generations and beyond.”

Thank you, Sarah, for thinking of others, and demonstrating that we can all impact the world for the better. With students like Sarah joining the workforce in the next few years, Gord’s vision of a future casting a golden light may just come to fruition.

The post The Next Generation’s Vision for Public Health appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Working Towards Reconciliation

Grounding documents such as the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (TRC report), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, and the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, help us honour this truth, and guide us in the important work we are doing to uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples. Call to Action 22 in the TRC report asks those within the Canadian healthcare system to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and use them in the treatment of Indigenous patients, in collaboration with healers and Elders. One project our donors have generously supported is a direct response to this call to action. This project uses Indigenous ways of knowing and being to develop and gift Kloshe Nanitch medicine bundles to Indigenous communities throughout BC.

This unique project is led by Chee Mamuk — the self-determining Indigenous-led program within the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). Kloshe Nanitch means “take care” in Chinook Jargon, used as a trade language between First Nations, Métis, Inuit and early settlers and traders. This is precisely what these bundles strive to do. They remind people they are cared for, and that their traditions and culture are valued.

A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Health

Gifting is an important way to show respect in Indigenous cultures, so these bundles are gifted at community gatherings, such as community-led Healing Fire Ceremonies. This act of gifting builds trust and reciprocity, demonstrating care and love as people connect in relationships and understanding. This approach to health and wellness may look very different from how Western cultures might traditionally view population health — it is about supporting the spirit first, before the body can heal.

Co-designed with Indigenous communities, the bundles support a full spectrum of peoples’ lived experiences. They meet practical needs by weaving together Indigenous and Western health and wellness resources that support food security, sexual health, housing, disease prevention, and more. They also fulfill spiritual needs by including healing herbs and traditional medicines such as Sage and Sweetgrass, as well as messages of kindness, hope, and resilience.

Kloshe Nanitch bundles have been assembled and gifted to communities in Northern BC, Vancouver Island and the North Coast, the Interior, and the Lower Mainland. The bundles have been gratefully received, due in part to gifting being so culturally understood. They have been quickly picked up and continue to be requested in high demand by communities. Recipients have noted that when they are gifted the bundle, they feel a responsibility to provide with their gift, so they will pass along items to others, growing their feeling of connection and belonging. Recipients also use the bundles to build bridges to neighbouring communities, sharing items with them in hopes of reuniting after being arbitrarily separated during colonization.

Funds raised for this initiative will enable the team to continue building and distributing bundles, where and when they are needed most, particularly in remote and hard to reach regions. The contents of the bundles continue to evolve to reflect community feedback and needs, as determined by the people working, living, and sharing experiences in their communities across the province. For example, evaluation from a bundling event led to the creation of bundles geared to Indigenous individuals leaving incarceration.

The Gift of Cultural Connection

The bundles are strengthening the capacity for community health, and helping to build confidence in community-based healing. Indigenous peoples can stay on their land, and have the expertise and supplies they require, rather than travelling long distances for services that may not meet their needs. This work is also helping to provide cultural teachings that provide guidance, in particular for young men, putting them back on the land, providing role models, and creating a connection for Indigenous men to their cultural teachings — teachings that were taken away through colonial practices like the sixties scoop, and residential schools. This is particularly important because a connection to land and culture can improve the health of Indigenous men, who have the poorest health outcomes and life expectancy of any demographic group in Canada.

The act of reaching out to Indigenous communities with bundles of support, hope and healing is a small step in our work towards Truth and Reconciliation. The historical and ongoing colonization and oppression of Indigenous Peoples has created a pervasive lack of trust in government and related institutions, including public health. It has created ongoing health and socioeconomic disparities, poorer health outcomes, and extensive inequities. Building that trust and addressing these inequities takes hard work and collaboration with Indigenous communities, with a focus on thoughtful public health initiatives rooted in respect. These bundles help strengthen the relationships and trust with Indigenous communities — promoting better health practices across populations — while advancing crucial transformation in how Western-based health models adapt and authentically support Indigenous people and their healthcare journeys.

Our Foundation envisions a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all and we have a long track record of engaging and investing in innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that improve population health. We will continue to collaborate with our valued partners across the province to invest in projects like this, which address harms and inequities, promote health and well-being, and build relations, cooperation, and a new way of thinking and healing together.

Please donate if you would like to support projects like this, that prioritize health, equity, and Truth and Reconciliation.

The post Building Trust with Indigenous Communities, One Bundle at a Time appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

1. Upstream actions for a healthier future

Our most read article last year — by far — was the breakdown of upstream thinking and how it benefits us all. Particularly in public health, thinking upstream encourages us to take action to prevent illness and injury, protect people, promote environments that foster good health, and importantly, to address social injustice, inequities, and the determinants of health. Simply put, by addressing the conditions around us before they have a chance to burden our health, we are creating a healthier and safer world. Examples of upstream actions are all around us, like investing in early childhood development, a housing-first model to address homelessness, and the idea of universal basic income, to help everyone take care of themselves and their families.

2. New Name, Look and Feel — Introducing Pacific Public Health Foundation

The second top read was the launch news about our new name, brand, and refreshed website!

Over the last decade, our Foundation has grown, with new partners, team members, and donors across all areas of public health.  Our shift in name allows us to better represent the broad scope of our work, and our bold new brand was created to convey our unique role in public health philanthropy and action. If you’d like to learn more about our shift to Pacific Public Health Foundation, take a look at a video we created that introduces our new name and refreshed vision for the future.

3. A lesson in the social determinants of health

The social determinants of health is a very important concept, and we learned that our supporters were eager to learn more! It was one of our most read articles in 2024, despite being published in 2021.

This guest blog post, written by Svetlana Ristovski-Slijepcevic and Charito Gailling, Project Managers in Population and Public Health at BC Centre for Disease Control, helped to visualize the social determinants of health (SDH) — the conditions where people grow, work, live, and age — making this complex idea more understandable. They encourage us to shift from thinking about the SDH as categories that describe what makes us sick, to describing what factors in our lives contribute to our good health. By shifting that terminology, we are also highlighting the upstream ways our overall environment impacts our health. We know the SDH are so important, which is why we support inclusive public health policies that are necessary to create more equitable conditions for communities across in BC.

4. Social Justice and Public Health

Originally written at the outset of the pandemic, when international protests against systemic racism were taking place in 2020, this topic rightfully still resonates with our audiences today. The article explains the philosophy of social justice, and how it is a prerequisite for health. Health disparities, created by SDH like racism, Indigeneity, income, and gender discrimination, result in unfair circumstances for many equity-deserving populations in our province. In order to ensure good health for every population served, public health systems must consider social justice and equity when providing programs and services to keep communities safe.

5. The Five Waves of Public Health Development

Rounding out our top five is an article about the history of public health development, and what the future of public health may look like. Describing each wave as cumulative, we invite readers to envision change over time and imagine how each preceding wave created the context for the next great advancement in public health. The fifth wave — or what is envisioned for the future — is a public health system that emphasizes upstream efforts and considers the social determinants of health like where we live, work, play, learn, and grow.

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With 30 actioned projects and over $1.8M spent on public health initiatives, 2024 was a year of tremendous achievement, growth, and pride for us. Although we have much to celebrate, we still have so much work to accomplish. As always, we thank our donors and partners for their continued support, and we hope that you will join us by donating to help fund some of the most pressing health priorities in our province in 2025. Follow us on social media, and join our newsletter to catch our latest news first, and check out the rest of our content, covering all things public and population health!

The post Looking Back on 2024 appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

According to the BC Medical Journal, loneliness “is associated with reduced physical activity, insomnia, hypertension, cardiac disease, and early mortality,” along with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Although loneliness has long been seen as a determinant of health in the senior population — linked to increased memory loss and poorer health outcomes for those who reported feeling lonely and isolated — a recent Government of Canada study shows that loneliness is increasing among younger adults, and that loneliness in this population group is directly associated with less employment opportunities, and lower income. Simply put: Loneliness is bad for your overall well-being.

The Power of Community

Community is essential in our lives. Community is a broad term and means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the family you are born into, and for many, it’s the friends you’ve made throughout your life. Groups with shared interests, work colleagues, or simply those who have shared connections to schools or neighbourhoods, are all examples of the communities where you may belong.

Many public health initiatives centre around community and connectedness. By working upstream to build a foundation of community for people throughout the province, these initiatives help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with loneliness and isolation. We believe so strongly in this work that we have funded several programs with a focus on community connection.

Public Health Programs to Combat Loneliness

We recently partnered with Island Health to award 22 grants to not-for profit organizations, schools, and Indigenous-led groups for initiatives that help improve mental well-being and build youth resilience to challenging life events. All of the chosen projects focus on the power of community, and emphasize the need for connection when dealing with difficult challenges, like the toxic drug poisoning crisis.

The power of community is why we continue to support Test, Link, Call, a program that provides cell phones and service to community members who are disproportionately affected by HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. An important factor in the success of this program is connection — peer navigators from Unlocking the Gates connect with each of the nearly 500 people enrolled, support them in learning how to use the phone and apps, and provide ongoing support. Besides the positive treatment outcomes we have seen from this program, participants have reported they feel that someone is now there for them, that they can reach out and talk to their doctor or peer navigator for help. They often speak about re-connecting with friends and family, opening up their world to more connection and community. Many of the apps pre-loaded on the phones promote connection to various communities, such as apps that connect to mental health services, the Talking Stick app for First Nations people that features an anonymous chat option, and even the Brave app, which connects users to a supporter who can help with overdose detection. These connections have led to life-saving support for some users.

We also proudly fund the Kloshe Nanitch medicine bundles project, because we believe in building trust and relationships with Indigenous communities. Our partner, Chee Mamuk, assembles and distributes medicine bundles that weave together traditional Indigenous and Western knowledge to support localized needs, and honour spiritual needs with healing herbs and traditional medicines. Not only are we reaching out to Indigenous people to form bonds of trust and friendship, but the items in the bundles have been shared throughout communities, bringing generations together to open the items and share cultural practices.

The human need for connection is why we also support food action grants for Rural and Remote Indigenous (RRI) Communities in the Northern Health region. These grants not only provide resources necessary for food autonomy like funding for farm equipment, but they encourage community gathering, providing opportunities for people to meet and share food together.

Connecting to a Healthier Future

We all need community — that much is clear. A healthy life, and solid well-being, starts with connection. Our Foundation will continue to support programs that build community and encourage togetherness. What can you do in your own lives? Don’t be afraid to reach out and form connections. You can look for programs in community centres, libraries, or local healthcare facilities, that can help you find a sense of belonging. And if you already feel supported by the community around you, reach out to someone experiencing loneliness and isolation. That small gesture may help improve their life in more ways than you know.

Donate to support public health initiatives bringing people together in our province.

The post On “Blue Monday”, Here is a Prescription for Loneliness appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

As a charity that responded swiftly to COVID-19, and is now prioritizing pandemic recovery, our pivotal role in supporting data, decision-making, and action is key to our work. We value the many opportunities available to reinforce a well-resourced, proactive, preventative public health system, and to prioritize and strengthen that system so we can provide better public health solutions and demonstrate why public health matters for the well-being of everyone.

Our unique and nimble role allows us to bring together philanthropy, funding, partnerships, engagement, and advocacy. We support evidence-based and equity-driven research, practice, and policy initiatives that take a proactive approach, are grounded in the most pressing public health priorities for British Columbia, and will improve the health of people and communities throughout our province.

This is why, over the last few years, we have been so proud to fund the vital British Columbia Surveys on Population Experiences, Action, and Knowledge (SPEAK), to advance our partnership with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and the broader public health community, and witness our dedicated donors make such a vast impact on public health.

It is why we are so pleased today to share the third SPEAK results, funded by British Columbians, for British Columbians.

Available in seven languages and developed in collaboration with BC’s regional health authorities, the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the BCCDC, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, and the Ministry of Health, the aim of this survey is to better understand British Columbians’ general health status and well-being. Round three of SPEAK 3 had close to 90,000 people sharing their thoughts and experiences. The findings will be used to help identify opportunities for transition, innovation, and adaptation during post-pandemic recovery. Combined with the data from SPEAK 1 and 2, SPEAK 3 provides important information about how British Columbians experienced the pandemic and how those experiences changed over time, ensuring that inequities and unintended societal consequences are addressed, and the overall health and well-being of the population is improved.

“By funding the SPEAK surveys and dashboards, the Pacific Public Health Foundation supports public health partners throughout the province to better understand and meet the health and well-being needs of people in their communities so we can work together to build a healthier, safer and more equitable future for people in B.C.” — Matthew Wright, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Public Health Foundation 

Results of SPEAK 3

The SPEAK 3 dashboard allows people with internet access to view the survey results for all of BC, their regional health authority, or even community sub-regions within each health authority. Findings from SPEAK 3 include impacts on children, young adults, and adults. For example, a substantial portion of BC adults with children in their households reported their children’s connection with friends and family was improving, and 35% of those with children in their households reported an increase from one year ago in children’s connection with family and friends, while 47% adult British Columbians with children in their households reported increased child stress compared to one year ago.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults were summarized in a report released in July 2021, and the SPEAK 3 results demonstrate that young adults continue to experience high levels of stress, difficulties accessing healthcare and mental health services when needed, and have a weaker sense of community belonging. But, more young adults reported improvements in their mental health over the previous year compared to earlier surveys.

Across a number of risk and protective measures, 59% of adults reported doing moderate or vigorous physical activities for 150 minutes a week or more in the week prior to the survey, about one in three reported consuming five or more servings of fruit/vegetables per day, and about one in four adults reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, compared to last year. However, about one in four adult British Columbians reported a decrease in sleep compared to last year.

Looking at well-being and resiliency, data showed a higher percentage of adults who indicated they had a weak sense of belonging to their local community, and 24% of adults reported worsening general health compared to one year ago. About 41% of adults reported experiencing discrimination or felt they had been treated unfairly or with less respect in the 12 months prior to the survey. In 2023, over half of adult British Columbians reported that it was more difficult for them or their household to meet their financial needs compared to one year ago.

“The BC SPEAK surveys have been instrumental to help us understand the health and well-being of people throughout B.C. since 2020. Findings from round three highlight ongoing impacts of the pandemic to key health outcomes, such as mental health, as well as considerable inequities across the province. This data will help us support you and your community to promote health and improve the health programs and services offered to British Columbians.” — Dr. Geoff McKee, Medical Director, Population and Public Health, BC Centre for Disease Control

These critical surveys would not have happened without our incredible community of donors and partners. The results of these surveys will help us strengthen public health during this period of pandemic recovery, so that it will be better equipped and able to respond to current and emerging threats to our health, keep people safe, promote positive well-being, advance equity, and foster healthier communities.

Investments such as the SPEAK Surveys are investments in the well-being of people and communities across our province now, and well into the future. We are dedicated to supporting pandemic recovery by raising 1.4 M through the Your Health, Our Commitment campaign. You can contribute to the future of public health in BC by supporting this important initiative.

The post When You SPEAK (3), We Listen: Another Critical Project Supported by our Incredible Donors appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

This may be hard to imagine, but many people right here in our province do not have regular access to a cellphone and/or the internet. Although this may seem like just an inconvenience, it is much more than that. Our cell phones offer connection to the world around us. Imagine if you were facing an illness, or a potentially life-changing diagnosis, and without treatment, severe consequences to your health. What if you didn’t have a cell phone? How could you navigate our complex healthcare system? How could you make doctors appointments, call in medication requests to the pharmacy, or even access your results via digital health sites, like so many of us do? What if you had no one to lean on for support, to easily explain what is happening to you, and provide you hope for treatment? This is a reality for many people in BC, particularly those who have been incarcerated, face unstable housing, and those who experience poverty.

This very real need for access to care is why we have been so proud support Test, Link, Call, since its inception in 2021. It is a program that provides cell phones and a six-month phone plan to equity-deserving people in our province. Beyond the benefits of connecting to care, the value of having a cell phone quickly became clear. From being able to reconnect with loved ones, to having a stable means of communication when applying for benefits and employment, to having access to 911 and emergency services, these cell phones have provided a lifeline to clients, in more ways than one.

“It’s helped me to stay connected with the people, the positive people in my life. It keeps me away from having to … because you can’t just ask, there’s no payphones anymore, and you can’t just ask someone to use their phone. There’s most people right there. It’s not like. Yeah, it’s, it’s weird like and in order for me to access to use someone’s phone, I gotta go into areas which are dangerous for my recovery.” — a Test, Link, Call client

We’re excited to share an article from our partners doing the work, who have seen firsthand the kind of impact it is having on equity deserving members of our community.

Access to HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis Care: How Cell Phones and Peer Support Are Changing Lives for People Who Experience Criminalization

By Amrit Tiwana, Nicola Gale, and Sofia Bartlett

People who experience criminalization, such as those who have been incarcerated, often struggle with unstable housing, or use drugs, are more likely to be affected by sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs) like HIV and hepatitis C. They face many barriers to getting treatment, including unstable living conditions, stigma, and poverty. Compared to people who aren’t criminalized, these groups have a much tougher time receiving the STBBI treatment they need.

The COVID-19 pandemic made these problems worse as many healthcare services quickly switched to virtual care. For people without reliable access to the internet or a phone, getting healthcare became almost impossible.

To reduce this gap and improve outcomes for those with STBBIs, the Test, Link, Call (TLC) Project has stepped in to support people who experience criminalization across British Columbia. By providing cell phones and peer support, the TLC Project is helping people access care for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphylis.

The Test, Link, Call Project

This peer-based project began in September 2021 and is a collaboration between the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services, BC Hepatitis Network, and Unlocking the Gates (UTG) Services Society. Led by Dr. Sofia Bartlett (BCCDC), Deb Schmitz (BC Hepatitis Network), and Pam Young (UTG),  the project aims to expand access to STBBI treatment for people who experience criminalization.

How does it work? Participants in the TLC Project receive a free, good quality, personal cell phone with a 6-month unlimited plan, are paired with a Peer Health Mentor, and get help scheduling appointments for STBBI care.

Peer Health Mentors are staff members from UTG, a peer-led program that connects individuals transitioning from corrections back into their communities with social and health services.

Recruitment posters are shared in common areas of shelters, drug detox and recovery houses, and other services. These posters include UTG contact information. Most participants enroll after contacting or speaking with a Peer Health Mentor, who explains the project details, eligibility criteria, and participant commitments. Healthcare providers can also refer patients directly to the project. To enroll, participants must agree to be tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or Syphylis, or already know their test results. If an infection is confirmed, the Peer Health Mentor or healthcare provider gives the person a phone and helps connect them to STBBI treatment through a network of care providers.

Each phone is pre-loaded with contact information and apps designed to support participants in accessing STBBI treatment, harm reduction, and overall wellbeing. The address book includes numbers for their healthcare provider, Peer Health Mentor, and BC Help 4 Hep (toll-free). Additionally, the phones come with preloaded apps including:

• LifeGuard,
• The Brave app,
• MediSafe (for medication tracking and reminders),
• BC Virtual Visit (telehealth app),
• BC Services Locator (health service locator app), and
• I’m Ready (for HIV self-testing).

When participants receive their phones, Peer Health Mentors help them with the contact information and apps loaded on the device. The mentors also assist in making the first contact with healthcare providers and discuss participants preferred method of communication, call or text, and how often they’d like check-ins. After the 6-month period, they get to keep the phones, and can choose to transition to a prepaid plan. This personalized support helps ensure that participants are comfortable using their phones and connected to the care they need.

How Far We’ve Come

Since the launch in September 2021, the TLC Project has made remarkable progress in enhancing healthcare access for people who experience criminalization. As of November 2024, the initiative has enrolled 395 participants for hepatitis C care, 113 for HIV care, and 7 for Syphilis care. Most participants receiving hepatitis C treatment are men aged 40 to 59 who are either unstably housed or without a fixed address. Many have a recent history of injecting drug use, and more than half of these people are on opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Among HIV participants, most are men aged between 40 and 59 with an unknown housing status.

Communication barriers have been a significant challenge, primarily due to the lack of cell phones.

“Most of our patients don’t have cell phones, and if they do, rarely do they have minutes for us to get in contact with them.” Healthcare Provider

“So many clinics are not even offering in-person visits, so if you don’t have a phone, you can’t get healthcare.” Healthcare Provider

Providing cell phones through this initiative has greatly improved communication and motivation, appreciated by participants and providers.

“It’s made a great big difference considering I would never have been able to make any of my appointments without a phone.” Participant

“People get pretty excited about being able to contact me more often, you know, being able to contact their healthcare provider more often.” Healthcare Provider

The peer support is key to the project’s success.

“Having someone like me or a peer support worker who understands and is willing to just sit there through the process makes a big difference.” Peer Health Mentor

The phones have also provided access to other health and services.

“I got to use the phone to contact the optometrist and the dentist.” Participant

“I was able to use that phone and make phone calls, read messages, leave contact numbers for all the people that I was trying to contact for housing and for jobs. I want to get back in the working field.” Participant

The TLC Project has shown promising outcomes. Approximately 57% of participants enrolled for hepatitis C care have initiated curative treatment, compared to 52% among people who currently or previously use drugs in the 2020 BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort. This shows that the TLC Project is helping more people start curative treatment compared to standard care.

Abbreviations: PWID, people who inject drugs; SVR, SVR, sustained virologic response (i.e., viral cure); HCV, hepatitis C virus.

The TLC Project is an innovative initiative able to pave a new way to health equity for those experiencing criminalization. We look forward to expanding the project across British Columbia and recruiting people in need of treatment, with continued support from Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Learn More

Visit Test, Link, Call Project | YouMatter and/or contact Dr. Sofia Bartlett at sofia.bartlett@bccdc.ca.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the TLC participants in this quality improvement project, especially those who joined interviews and shared their experiences. We also appreciate the support from these groups for their help with participant recruitment and engagement: Unlocking the Gates Services Society, Alliance Clinic Surrey, ASK Wellness Society, AVI, BCMHSUS Correctional Health Services, Carrier Sekani First Nation Family Services, Coolaid Clinic, Dr. John Farley, Dr. Peter Centre, Fraser Health (Positive Health Services & IHART), Kilala Lelum, North Island Positive Wellness, Northern Health (HIV/HCV SST), Providence Health (RAAC Clinic), Ribbon Community, Vancouver Infectious Diseases Clinic, Vancouver Urban Health Centre, and Vancouver Coastal Health (Primary Care Outreach, ACT, VGH ID Clinic). Your support has been vital. Thank you!

If you believe in the importance of this work, like we do, donate today to support programs like Test, Link, Call. Although the premise is simple, the purpose is clear — helping those access the care they need, makes for a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

The post Public Health is… Providing Access to a Healthier Future appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

What are Gifts of Securities?

Gifts of securities are donations of publicly traded appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment assets, instead of making a cash donation. Individuals or organizations transfer ownership of these securities directly to the charity.

What are the Benefits of Gifts of Securities?

By donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to a charity, you will receive a larger tax credit and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full value of your shares — meaning you may be able to make a larger gift than you could have with a cash donation alone!

Plus, when you donate appreciated stocks, you do not have to pay the capital gains tax that you would have incurred if you sold the asset instead. This means more of your donation goes towards making a difference in the health and well-being of our community.

It’s also a great way to dispose of assets that are not performing well — transforming a lackluster investment into a powerful tool for positive change.

You will receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the securities, which can be used to further reduce your annual income when filing your taxes.

This is an example of the potential tax advantages of donating securities versus selling the securities and donating the proceeds:

Making a Gift of Securities is Easy!

We’ve made it easier by including a simple fillable form on our website that won’t take long to complete.

We encourage you to make your donation of securities before December 16 to qualify for a tax receipt for the current year — most charities have a cutoff date of mid-December to guarantee issuing a tax receipt for the current year.

The Power of your Gift

By choosing to donate appreciated securities you are choosing to maximize your impact — your gift of securities is more than a donation: it is an investment into the health and well-being of your community. Thank you for choosing to be a savvy supporter!

Please note the information above is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. We recommend you consult with your legal/financial advisor to ensure you maximize every opportunity based on your specific portfolio.

Check out all the ways you can give, including through securities here.

The post Big Impact, Little Effort: Unlocking the Potential of Gifting Securities appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

A Community Approach to Wellness

While public health work often goes unnoticed, under-appreciated, and importantly, under-funded, the work is essential. It is the foundation on which good health is achieved. Public health considers entire communities, not just individuals, when finding solutions to reduce premature death and minimize effects of diseases. Those who work in the field of public health are concerned with the well-being of everyone, and take a One Health approach to work with partners in fields such as the economy, environmental studies, and government, to ensure that well-being is promoted in all aspects of life.

And what’s more? It is the most cost-effective means of healthcare. Preventing an illness, or injury, is always cheaper than paying for costly treatment downstream.

Innovation at Work

When you donate to public health, you are supporting innovation. In order to innovate, to find solutions to healthcare problems, we must invest in testing, trials of new treatments, and prevention measures. Wastewater surveillance for unregulated drugs is a great example of innovation that will, in the future, prevent opioid overdose deaths and keep our communities safer. Another is Test, Link, Call, a cost-effective and innovative approach to support access to care and treatment for people at risk of diseases such as Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis B virus, HIV and Syphyllis.

Finding Public Health in the Everyday

Public Health is connection. It is meeting the needs of our communities. It is being equipped with what you need to make good decisions for your health. It is seatbelts, helmets, life jackets, vaccinations, shelter, mental health supports, food security, legislation to reduce collisions on roads, and anything else you can think of that ensures our communities continue to thrive going forward.

Donating to public health is investing in solutions, well before a health crisis takes hold. Taking an upstream approach, and doing the work that is needed to prevent serious illness and injury, will pay dividends by ensuring a healthier, safer, and more equitable future.

Pacific Public Health Foundation is the only charitable foundation in BC actively fundraising for public health initiatives, with and in support of our partners throughout the province. This Giving Tuesday, make public health visible by donating to support the health and wellness of people across BC. Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity.

The post Why is Giving to Support Public Health so Important? Because Public Health is Invisible — When it’s Working appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.