The City of Grande Prairie is excited to partner with the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network (GP PCN) to introduce a new Social Prescribing initiative for ages 55 and older, funded by the Government of Alberta.
Social Prescribing aims to bridge the gap between medical and social care services by allowing providers to make a social prescription to a link worker, a non-clinical professional employed by community-based, seniors-serving organizations.
Link workers help clients find recreational and social programs, connect with in-home support services, assist with financial benefits and provide referrals to assisted transportation programs.
”The City of Grande Prairie is proud to participate in this initiative to support our local seniors,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “Building an inclusive, caring community means developing and pursuing opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all ages from youth to seniors, and working on Social Prescribing with the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network is a key part of how we can achieve this.”
“Social Prescribing is an innovative way to address social determinants of health,” said Grande Prairie Primary Care Network Executive Director, Michel Haener. “We are excited to see how our partnership with the City of Grande Prairie improves health outcomes for the 55+ population.”
How to get a social prescription
To get a social prescription, Grande Prairie residents must book a self-referral service for Social Work with the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network online at grandeprairiepcn.com/selfreferral or by calling 780-539-9204.
Interested participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Aged 55 or older; and
- live in the City of Grande Prairie.
Learn more about Social Prescribing on the Healthy Aging website, contacting socialprescribing@cityofgp.com or calling the GP PCN at 780-539-9204.