What We Do
We support and promote healthy public policies, environments, programs, and services to prevent chronic disease in BC.
Chronic Disease Prevention
BCAHL works to advance and support health-promoting policies, environments, programs and services so that British Columbians have equal opportunities to be healthy. We address common risk factors and underlying determinants contributing to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and lung diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
We want it to be easy for everyone to participate in physical activity opportunities, eat healthy, use public or active transportation, breathe clean air, access support and feel included. We do this by advocating for policies, resources and the social infrastructure that create healthier communities for all. Our work includes developing toolkits and reports based on research and promising practices to encourage healthy living.
Key Objectives
Policy Advancement
We support and recommend policies that promote healthy living in British Columbia.
Policy Advancement Healthy Living Projects
Our work includes developing programs and initiatives that make healthy living opportunities accessible throughout the province.
Healthy Living Projects Resource Development & Promotion
We develop and produce resources, toolkits and reports based on research and promising practicies to encourage healthy living.
Resource Development & PromotionRelated Posts
Read about our latest activities, announcements, and other ways you can learn about healthy living on our blog.
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BCAHL BlogEngageHealthy LivingPolicyResources & Toolkits
Healthy and Resilient BC: A Voter’s Guide
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BCAHL BlogHealthy LivingPhysical Activity
Communities Going Active: Addressing Barriers to Active Transportation recording
Past Projects and Reports
A Healthier Recovery for BC
Living through the pandemic has been incredibly trying for all of us. For BCAHL, this pandemic experience underscored the importance of disease prevention.
Learn More
Physical Activity and Extreme Weather Resources
Extreme heat and poor air quality restrict what we can safely do outdoors. BCAHL developed resources to support organizations and leaders to encourage their communities to move while keeping their safety top of mind.
Learn More
Small Towns, Big Steps in Active Transport
Active transportation has multiple benefits: increase in physical activity, social connections, and mental well-being, all of which help to prevent chronic disease. We highlight small BC communities with populations between 1,000 and 30,000 that are demonstrating greater progress in active transportation.
Learn More Communities on the Move
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Learn MoreAreas of focus
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Alcohol
Learn MoreAlcohol is a risk factor for several types of cancer, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases among others.
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Health Inequities
Learn MoreUnderserved populations have increased susceptibility to chronic conditions. Providing support to improve socioeconomic status improves people’s health outcomes.
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Social Determinants of Health
Learn MoreAddressing access to adequate income, housing, healthy food and recreation facilities improves people’s health outcomes.
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Healthy Eating and Food Security
Learn MoreFruits and vegetables offer protection against diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancers.
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Housing Security
Learn MoreHousing is a basic requirement for health. When people have stable and affordable housing, they have more resources available for other health essentials.
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Poverty Reduction
Learn MoreAdequate income allows access to stable housing, nutritious foods, and participation in social and physical activities as well as other essentials for a healthy life.
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Physical Activity
Learn MorePhysical activity is one of the most effective ways to decrease the risk of diseases including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
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Tobacco Reduction and Vaping
Learn MoreTobacco is addictive and poisonous, leading to 6,000 deaths a year in BC. With more people taking up smoking each year, and the rising popularity of vaping, there’s more reason than ever to be concerned.
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Transportation
Learn MoreTransportation provides multiple benefits: it supports access to health care, employment and other health-promoting services, while active transportation builds physical activity into our routines.
