Paola Ardiles, an SFU lecturer in health sciences created Bridge for Health as a Vancouver-based volunteer network to promote citizen engagement in health. Enabling people to have more control over the conditions that impact their health is the impetus for turning the network into a social enterprise. The launch of B.C.’s new Bridge for Health Co-op takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Vancouver.
The goal of Bridge for Health is to work with community organizations and businesses to co-design healthy social and built environments that promote wellbeing. Bridge for Health Innovation Labs aim to get at the root cause of illness in order to reduce stress and burn-out, which is causing huge social and economic impacts in the workplace.
Since its inception three years ago Bridge for Health has reached people across Canada and abroad and is evolving into an incubator of social innovation in health, with empowerment and community engagement at its core. A number of SFU students are also involved.
The co-operative model resulted from Ardiles’ consultations with the health, business and NGO sectors, and she says it’s an example of using innovative business models “as a force for good health.” Co-ops promote inclusiveness, collective leadership and shared ownership, all concepts core to promoting health and wellbeing.
The new B.C. Co-op will focus on social innovation research and consulting. The launch party will include a talk with best-selling author, physician and SFU alumnus Dr. Gabor Maté.
What: Party for Bridge for Health’s co-operative launch
When: Wednesday, September 28 at 6:45-9 pm
Where: Centre for Peace, 1806 W 15th Avenue, Vancouver
Who: the general public is welcome
More information and purchase tickets here.