A Social Prescribing initiative is part of a new partnership between the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network for residents 55 and older.
The new initiative, funded by the Government of Alberta, aims to close the gap between medical and social care services by allowing providers to make a social prescription to a link worker.
A link worker is described as a non-clinical professional employed by community-based, senior-serving organizations who are responsible for helping clients find recreational and social programs, assisting with finances, and providing referrals for assisted transport programming.
Mayor Jackie Clayton says the city is proud to participate in the initiative to support local seniors.
“Building an inclusive, caring community means developing and pursuing opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all ages from youth to seniors, and working on Social Prescribing with the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network is a key part of how we can achieve this,” she says.
To get a social prescription, residents must first book a self-referral service for Social Work with the Primary Care Network online, or by calling (780)-539-9204.