BC Healthy Living Alliance

BC Healthy Living Alliance

BC Healthy Living Alliance logo
Abbreviation	BCHLA
Motto	Working together to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease
Formation	2003
Headquarters	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Region served	British Columbia
Official language	English
Website	BC Healthy Living Alliance Official Website

The BC Healthy Living Alliance (BCHLA), formed in 2003, is the largest coalition of health leaders in British Columbia’s history. Collectively, BCHLA members capture the attention of over 40,000 volunteers, 4,300 health and recreation professionals, and 184 local governments across British Columbia. As a non-partisan advocacy group, the BCHLA works with government and holds them accountable to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease.

In 2006, after publishing The Winning Legacy advocacy paper, the Government of BC provided BCHLA with a $25 million grant to implement initiatives across the province that would support the achievement of the targets outlined in the paper. The initiatives, which focus on healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco reduction, and community capacity building are now underway in over 105 communities across British Columbia. As they continue to early 2010, BCHLA is continually working closely with ActNow BC and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport along with many other community partners.

The Alliance continues its policy work and has developed a discussion paper, Healthy Futures for BC Families, on the social issues that can impede or enhance the healthy of a society. These issues include access to: affordable housing, early childhood development and care, income and food security, and supportive environments.

The Alliance was formed in February 2003 with a mission to lead collaborative actions to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and living smoke-free in order to improve the overall health of British Columbians.

In March 2006, the Alliance received "a one-time grant of $25.2 million to pursue recommendations outlined in their report, "The Winning Legacy - A plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010." Health Minister George Abbott had said, “We are supporting programs that promote healthy living and prevent illness in our society. Research tells us that four risk factors are the major causes of our most common chronic diseases. Lifestyle choices about nutrition, exercise, tobacco use and healthy choices during pregnancy can make a real difference in our own health, and in the sustainability of the entire health-care system.”

"To improve the health of British Columbians through leadership that enhances collaborative action to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and living smoke-free."