Alberta Public Health Association
The Alberta Public Health Association (APHA) is a provincial nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public health and health equity in Alberta, Canada. Registered as a charitable entity (Business Registration Number: 106694102RR0001), the APHA operates as a volunteer-driven association focused on advocacy, education, and collaboration to address public health challenges.

Mission and Objectives

The APHA's mission is to serve as an independent, evidence-based advocate for public health policies and practices that promote health equity and address social determinants of health[3][4]. Key objectives include:

• Advocacy: Addressing systemic health issues such as healthcare capacity gaps, resource limitations, and inequitable policies[3].
• Education: Facilitating professional development and networking opportunities for members[1][4].
• Collaboration: Partnering with organizations such as the Canadian Public Health Association and the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health to amplify resources and drive collective impact[4].

Governance and Activities

Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the APHA emphasizes expertise in governance, policy analysis, community engagement, and fundraising[3]. The organization actively engages in public health campaigns, including housing advocacy, recognizing housing as a critical determinant of health[4].

Challenges and Impact

The APHA operates in a divisive public health policy environment, marked by healthcare reorganization and funding constraints[3]. Despite these challenges, it remains Alberta's primary independent voice for public health, supporting professionals through advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration[1][3].

Membership

Membership is open to individuals and professionals across sectors who are committed to public health principles, including health equity and population health strategies[3][4]. The association fosters cross-sector networks to address complex health challenges through a "health-in-all-policies" approach[4].

[1] https://www.apha.ab.ca/About-Us [2] https://www.apha.ab.ca [3] https://obrieniph.ucalgary.ca/news/help-revitalize-alberta-public-health-association [4] https://nccdh.ca/images/uploads/comments/Strengthening_Evidence_and_Public_Health_Advocacy_for_Housing_-_Megan_Thomas_APHA.pdf [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Health_Services