The Alexandra Community Health Centre

The Alexandra Community Health Centre’s mission is to heal, and also to prevent suffering.

By partnering with both funding and service agencies, including food banks and shelters, its programs address poverty, poor nutrition, addictions and disabilities, which are some of the issues that affect the health of the communities it serves. Its programs are responsive and interconnected, taking this range of health barriers into account.

To better serve the entire East End and downtown core, the Alex had to expand its family clinic out of its former home in Inglewood’s Alexandra Community Centre last year. It now operates off of Centre Street North, complementing its seniors’ clinic and health bus. It also runs many outreach programs, continuing to coordinate health and social services in the innovative model of holistic care that Father Hildebrandt spearheaded 35 years ago. In 2008, The Alex plans to deliver 75,000 cost-effective services and reduce the drain on emergency care.

Outreach worker Jessica Spence-Sales, aka “Angel,” calls the Alex “the final safety net” for those in need. She and Bev Straus, a licensed practical nurse with the Alex, feel privileged to help, knowing how close anyone can be to the edge. Straus drives the Health Bus to a dozen weekly stops, bringing health care directly to the homeless, street workers, elderly and others in need. The team addresses the concerns of their patients without judgment, and then connects them with the right resources — perhaps medicine, addiction counselling, or a foot care clinic, for example. “Feet are important out there,” says Straus.

Hard-won success stories are shared with pride. Living in a tent despite serious lung disease, and accustomed to an independent lifestyle recycling bottles and scrap metals on his bicycle, Patrick (last name withheld for privacy) was hit by a truck this year. He credits the Alex for moving him to seniors’ housing (“it’s warmer”), and providing him with a weekly bag of nutritious food. For Patrick, being treated with respect and without prejudice or coercion is a rare and welcome thing. It’s just one of the many ways the Alex helps heal and prevent suffering.

Abbi M. Singh
For inspiring others with his young-at-heart effort

Karo
For being pro bono pros

Parent Support Association
For its unique contribution to keeping parents' sanity

Simon Madhol Atem
For fighting for peace

Dr. Maria Eriksen
For giving, and giving, and giving

MEOW Foundation
For doing the most with the least

Peter Mauro
For sharing a love of music

The Pumphouse Theatres Society
For cultivating the arts

Paul Hagel
For being on board

Momentum
For providing a caring push

Child & Youth Friendly Calgary
For inspiring the next generation of A-Listers

Donna Kreese
For coordinating volunteers