Media
Media Enquiries
Media can contact Rita Koutsodimos, Executive Director
Tel: 604 629 1630
Mobile: 604 989 4546
rkoutsodimos@bchealthyliving.ca
Health Leaders Welcome Investments in School Food Programs, Poverty Reduction and Active Transportation in 2023 Budget
February 28, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vancouver, B.C., February 28, 2023 –The BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL) commends the government for investments in school food programs, active transportation and increases to income and disability assistance rates. “Over the past few years, we have been increasingly worried about the deteriorating health of low-income British Columbians due to the compounding pressures brought on by the pandemic and inflation,” said Christopher Lam, Chair, BC Alliance...Read More >
Op-ed: Do you know how risky your drink is?
February 9, 2023 Note: this piece was first published in The Tyee, Castanet and The Province. Sometimes it’s a couple of pints of beer after work with friends, sometimes it’s a margarita to go with your tacos. Sometimes it’s an actor’s cocktail of choice that goes viral the world over. However you may encounter it, alcohol is so commonplace that few realize how harmful it can be, and most don’t know where...Read More >
Foods Served in Schools Should Support Learning Instead of Fundraising at the Expense of Children’s Health
April 11, 2022 Summary The 2022 B.C. School Food Guidelines is a voluntary system that supports healthy food environments in schools.The proposed B.C. School Food Guidelines only affects food sold or served to students and does not affect bagged lunches brought from home.57% of youth are not eating enough fruits and vegetables.30% of youth eat processed snack foods five days a week.15% of youth consume sugary drinks daily. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver, B.C.,...Read More >
COVID-19 has Created a Mental Health Crisis. BC Experts say: ‘Move More Often to Improve Physical AND Mental Health’
August 26, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver (August 30, 2021) Members of the BC Physical Activity for Health Collaborative (the Collaborative) are sounding the alarm about the mental health crisis across the province. While the pandemic has amplified demand for accessible mental health resources, the Collaborative stresses physical activity as a complementary tool to combat declining mental health. “We’re looking at the research and are very concerned about the increase in stress, anxiety...Read More >
Budget 2021/22 Responds to Acute Health Needs of British Columbians but Ignores Other Prevention Measures
April 21, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2021 Vancouver, BC: Advocates for healthy living and chronic disease prevention are relieved to see BC Budget 2021 investments in poverty reduction and mental health – which were at an acute state for far too long and clearly highlighted by the pandemic. “The BC Alliance for Healthy Living has been calling for an increase to Income and Disability Assistance rates for over a decade because...Read More >
BC’s Health Organisations Cheer for New Taxes in BC Budget 2020 to Protect Youth Health
February 19, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vancouver, BC, February 19, 2020: The introduction of new taxes on vaping products and sugary drinks in BC Budget 2020 is being applauded by leaders of BC’s health organizations that see them as effective measures for protecting youth health. (more…)
#PinkShirtDay2019: a time to reflect on how we treat those living in poverty
February 28, 2019 On #PinkShirtDay2019, BCAHL’s Op-Ed piece on Basic Income was published in the Vancouver Sun. It’s fitting that it was printed on a day dedicated to kindness and awareness around the stigmatization of bullying as those who live in poverty face many levels of stigmatization – from institutional to individual. (more…)
Municipalities across BC call on the province to fund infrastructure so residents can safely walk, bike and roll.
September 13, 2018 Resolution B15 calling for a Provincial Active Transportation Strategy passes at UBCM Convention and is supported by 125 endorsers of the Communities on the Move Declaration FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vancouver, B.C., September, 13, 2018 - Delegates across BC voted in favour of an Active Transportation Strategy and Fund, supporting a resolution put forward by the District of North Vancouver and similar to resolutions advanced by Courtenay, Chase, Kent, Squamish, Vernon and...Read More >
More Kids Need to Move More Often to Boost Brain Health
June 20, 2018 BC’s Physical Activity and Health Collaborative supports findings in the 2018 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth that links brain health with regular physical activity Only 35 per cent of 5- to 17-year-olds and 62 per cent of 3- to 4-year-olds are getting the recommended physical activity levels for their age group, the report card found, and this may be having an impact on the health of...Read More >
Join Us for a Policy Discussion: Basic Income Guarantee and Health: BIG Promise or a BIG Problem?
February 8, 2018 On Tuesday, March 13th from 8:00 am to 11:30 am - please plan on joining the BC Alliance for Healthy Living at the downtown Vancouver Public Library for an engaging discussion on the prospects of a Basic Income Guarantee as a policy lever to reduce poverty and improve health outcomes. The health implications of poverty place a terrible burden on people, families, communities and the healthcare system. With a new...Read More >
