Reflections & Accomplishments: 2021

As we transition to an evolving “new normal,” BCAHL is taking strides to ensure that health and equity are part of this new foundation. Throughout this year, turmoil within economic, social, political and environmental realms have highlighted the need for investments and polices to prioritize health equity.

For BCAHL, this year marks the launch of several projects and reports that are focused on strengthening healthy public policy for the benefit of all British Columbians. We launched the Physical Activity for Health Collaborative’s EverybodyMoves Resource Hub in the beginning of the year, and the #LetsMoveBC Social Media Amplification Campaign in the second half of the year.

We recently published a new report, A Healthier Recovery for BC, which looks at the impact of the pandemic on the health and wellness of British Columbians and where there is broad support for policy recommendations. Lastly, we are in the process of finalizing and debuting the Small Towns, Big Steps in Active Transport website, which will showcase the important research findings BCAHL identified through our work with small towns.

We continue to see the importance of creating spaces, policies and programs that ensure everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and thrive. BCAHL is proud to work alongside other dynamic organizations that are collectively moving us towards health equity for all.

Physical Activity for Health Collaborative

EverybodyMoves Resource Hub:

Early this year, we launched the much anticipated EverybodyMoves Resource Hub, which is an online tool for physical activity leaders to find practical information to make physical activity more inclusive for the community.

BCAHL led a five-month long campaign with the hashtag #EverybodyMoves, focused on inclusion and accessibility within physical activity for people living with disabilities, young people, racialized communities and newcomers, and women and LGBTQ2IAS+ communities.

The campaign included social media amplification, newsletters, blog articles, and a mini podcast series with The Balance. We are pleased to share that this garnered nearly 10,000 website visits and 400 podcast listens.

#LetsMoveBC Social Media Amplification Campaign:

The Physical Activity for Health Collaborative recognized that there was an urgent need to get more British Columbians moving, particularly key populations including youth, older adults and Indigenous communities. Collectively on social media, members of the Collaborative promoted key messages and accessible resources using the hashtag #LetsMovBC to get people active.

The campaign was also featured on CTV Morning Live in Vancouver, with Dr. Guy Faulkner speaking on the importance of physical activity for physical and mental health. The amplification campaign was a major success; it ran for three months and accumulated an astounding 1.25 million impressions (and counting) and over 23,000 resource clicks!

A Healthier Recovery for BC

In response to the pandemic recovery, and to better understand how British Columbians were fairing in light of regulations lifting, BCAHL conducted polling research where we surveyed over 1,000 residents. The published report, A Healthier Recovery for BC, showcased that most people are supportive of programs and policies to ensure equitable access to mental health resources, healthy food, physical activity, and smoking cessation.

The findings were featured on CKPG Today and CJDC TV, with a focus on how Northern BC residents were particularly impacted by the pandemic. BCAHL will be bringing these research findings to decision-makers and advocating for healthy policy measures in the new year.

Small Towns, Big Steps in Active Transport

Despite the pandemic restrictions, BCAHL was able to adapt and complete research with six small town active transportation champions, which included: Burns Lake, Duncan, Gibsons, Nelson, Powell River and Rossland. We examined literature, collected relevant resources, surveyed small towns, interviewed local leaders and visited communities to experience active transportation in the context of a smaller place.

BCAHL recently conducted a webinar showcasing the research findings, and a workshop where we featured community leaders and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The report, case study videos and website will debut in late December.


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