About the Western Canadian Association of Lifeline Programs

The Western Canadian Association of Lifeline Programs (formerly British Columbia Association of Lifeline Programs) came about as a result of meeting of a small group of program managers and co-ordinators who were working together to set up a display at the 1990 Pacific National Exhibition. The members of the group were from in and around Vancouver (the lower mainland) and met to discuss the ways of participating together in this public awareness opportunity.

After the event, the group realized that they wanted the opportunities for mutual support to continue, so they began to meet regularly. They invited Lifeline programs managers and co-ordinators from other areas of the province to join them. These meetings soon evolved to discuss formalizing the group and so set up a constitution and by-laws and applied for non-profit society status. The society was officially given its charter in September of 1992.

The goal of the association is to set, promote and help maintain high standards of service for Lifeline programs throughout the communities served by its membership. The association also offers support to those persons who are managing and working with Lifeline programs. This support takes the form of communication links both individually and collectively. This network is a vital resource for all members.

The Western Canadian Association of Lifeline Programs meets regularly throughout the year and holds its annual general meeting in the spring. The meetings are held throughout the province, being hosted by different Lifeline programs.

Several sub-committees carry out the work of the association, including lobbying for greater awareness within the health regions, with other health care providers and with other services that are used by the subscribers. The education committee also brings pertinent and timely speakers to the meetings to help the members learn more about the various health risks their subscribers may encounter, including some of the chronic medical conditions they may live with.

The Western Canadian Association of Lifeline Programs also participates as fully as possible in opportunities to promote Lifeline throughout Western Canada. These have included BC Seniors Games, annual general meetings of health care professionals such as the Discharge Planners Association and the inclusion in the BC Medical Directory.

For more information about the association please contact the manager of one of the following programs: Nanaimo Lifeline or Comox Valley Lifeline.