Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Ensure healthy lives and promote well- being for all at all ages
Research
Global Health and International Partnerships Research Group
The goal of the Global Health research group is to create linkages between individuals within the University of Calgary and at other Canadian Universities, and across disciplines to facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration on global health issues. They serve as a hub for resources and best practices regarding Global Health and can facilitate networking opportunities for those engaged in global health research. Learn more.
Geography of Health and GIS Analysis Research Group
The O'Brien Institute for Public Health's Geography of Health and GIS Analysis Research Group consults on GIS-related applications across the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services. They analyze the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of health in the geospatial dimension and collaborate with stakeholders across Alberta to share health GIS standards and spatial tools. Additionally, they improve coordination among health GIS users in academia, industry and government by organizing workshops and annual educational events such as Health GIS Day. Learn more.
Teaching, Learning and Student Experience
Mental Wellbeing and Resilience Certificate
UCalgary launched a new embedded certificate in mental wellbeing and resilience. Unique among post-secondary institutions nationwide, the certificate is composed of three core courses and three electives, which can be selected from a list of more than 100 courses in nine faculties. Undergraduates from almost every discipline can complete the certificate alongside their degree without adding extra time to their studies.
Learn more.
Distributed Learning and Rural Initiatives
The Cumming School of Medicine’s Distributed Learning Rural Initiatives fosters and sustain meaningful relationships between medical educators, healthcare professionals in training, individuals and families living in Alberta’s rural and remote communities. This program enhances understanding for the barriers and opportunities to rural education experiences and rural careers. By offering undergraduates opportunities to experience rural communities through shadowing, this platform cross cuts research and education to respond to provide quality healthcare to the people of rural Alberta. Learn more.
Childbirth Safety in Tanzania
The Cumming School of Medicine leads a Canadian government-funded maternal health partnership initiative in rural Tanzania. Known locally as Mama na Mtoto (mother and baby in Swahili), the project provides on-the-ground clinical, education and research support to help mothers and babies.
Campus and Community Impact
Campus
Faculty of Nursing became one of the first to embed the university's institutional mental health strategy in their faculty by developing a three-year initiative. An implementation committee will identify opportunities through a needs assessment to understand what makes students, faculty and staff thrive, will introduce new policies, procedures and curriculum changes.
Local
Child and mental health are issues being investigated by The Social Impact Lab. This lab is a physical and digital space where United Way agency partners, government, donors, businesses, community members, and corporate volunteers can come together to solve complex social issues in new and innovative ways. Several researchers from the University of Calgary are involved with this initiative working to solve the complex social issue. The Social Impact Lab is intended to create new ventures that move the social sector from serving to solving urgent social issues.
National
The inaugural ‘Decolonizing Healthcare Congress Day’ was held at the Cumming School of Medicine to look at the unique healthcare challenges facing Indigenous Peoples. This day acknowledges the importance of decolonization — the process of recognizing Canada's colonial history and incorporating Indigenous perspectives — in Canadian institutions.