(Source: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/10416.asp)

Over the past several months, I have had an opportunity to have many formal and informal conversations with Albertans like you.

Many of you told me:

• You have a desire to take control of your health and wellness and just need to know about the supports and information available to you.
• You expect the health system to respond to your needs.
• You have genuine respect and gratitude for health care professionals who provide care and compassion on the front lines.

With this feedback in mind, Alberta Health Services has launched a pilot project called Passion for Health designed to give you more opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with AHS leaders, staff and physicians; to get information on the health topics that interest you; and, if you choose, to say thanks to those health professionals who may have helped you or a loved one.

Over the summer, AHS staff and physicians volunteered their time, expertise and energy to meet Albertans at Passion for Health booths at festivals and community events, and at Apple Talk forums, where people connected with AHS experts about specific health topics. Similar events were held in the fall and more are planned in the weeks and months ahead.

I stopped by a Passion for Health booth during Heritage Days in Edmonton where festival-goers and AHS representatives talked about programs and services that can help improve health, wellness and quality of life. Albertans also told us what their communities need from the health system and how we can work together to make it better. This is invaluable feedback that I need to ensure AHS makes the best decisions for every community across the province.

I encourage you to visit our Passion for Health website – www.albertahealthservices.ca/passionforhealth – to learn about upcoming opportunities to connect with us in your community.

Through the Your Voice section, you can share your health care experiences, your ideas on how to build a better health care system, or acknowledgement of the health care providers and teams who went the extra mile for you.

Finally, I also encourage you to view Because You Cared, the first in a series of Passion for Health videos created to help Albertans say thank you to the health providers who have made a significant difference in their lives. I won’t divulge details; however, I will say this: things like those shown here happen every day at AHS.

Passion for Health is not a campaign. It’s an acknowledgement that you are our partners, and your opinions, concerns, questions, criticisms and kudos all matter to us.

Share your passion for health with us.

Vickie Kaminski
President and CEO
Alberta Health Services