Rural Health Professions Action Plan

10/22/2026

Join RHPAP on November 12 at 11:00 a.m. for our next Knowledge Now webinar, featuring speakers from the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.

This session will explore the Centre’s work related to access to healthcare in northern communities and youth access to healthcare.

Through a conversation with our guest speaker Parveen Parmar, Director of Advocacy and Capacity-Building with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, we’ll learn more about the challenges and considerations surrounding healthcare access for these populations and access to care.

🔗Register today: https://loom.ly/IIJLObo

Join RHPAP for conversations and insights shaping rural healthcare.

10/20/2026

The Crowsnest Pass is a wonderful example of the passion, collaboration, and community spirit that make rural healthcare stronger. We’re proud to support communities as they work to attract, integrate and retain healthcare providers and ensure local access to care for generations to come. Thank you to ARCH CNP and everyone working hard to keep healthcare close to home in the Pass! 🌿🏔️

10/20/2026

This National Rural Health Week (November 19-23, 2026), we’re celebrating the relationships that make rural health possible.

Rural healthcare is about more than the care we provide. It’s about the communities that welcome health professionals, the colleagues who support one another, the mentors who share their knowledge, and the relationships that help people feel connected and supported.

Learn more and get involved at RuralHealthWeekCanada.ca

National Rural Health Week is co-presented with
Rural Coordination Centre of BC - RCCbc Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) IPAC Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada

10/19/2026

RHPAP is deeply saddened by the tragic events at CFB Wainwright and the profound impact on those involved.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Canadian Armed Forces members, their families, and all those in the surrounding community affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those recovering from injuries.

We also recognize the healthcare professionals and first responders in Wainwright and across Alberta who are providing care and support during this difficult time. Their dedication and compassion are vital to supporting individuals, families, and communities in moments of crisis.

We hold everyone affected in our thoughts during this challenging time.

10/19/2026

10/17/2026

🌟 Inspiring the next generation of rural healthcare professionals!

On October 14, we were excited to be part of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade’s High School Skills Day! With 32 students in attendance, the event offered an exciting opportunity to explore the many rewarding career paths in rural healthcare through hands-on learning, interactive skills stations, and conversations with local healthcare professionals.

East-central community consultant Anya Langkow joined the day as a Group Leader, bringing IV arms, stress balls, mop-top pens, and educational materials to help students engage with the world of healthcare. From exploring practical skills to learning about the many ways to make a difference in their communities, students got a glimpse of the opportunities that await them in the healthcare field.

A big thank you to the Stettler Regional Board of Trade for hosting this fantastic event, the local AIR Committee (Stettler Regional Health Professions Attraction & Retention Committee) for their support, and Campus Alberta Central for sponsoring the day!

💙 Investing in hands-on learning today helps inspire the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

10/16/2026

Deep rural roots, an entrepreneurial spirit, governance experience, and personal connections to rural healthcare are just a few of the attributes RHPAP’s new board chair brings to the table.

Amber Link is no stranger to RHPAP, having joined the board of directors in 2021 while serving as Wheatland County reeve and as a director with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

“Rural Alberta has given myself and my family so much so serving as chair of RHPAP is just one way that I can give something back and help ensure that rural Albertans can continue to build healthy lives and strong, sustainable communities,” says Link, who began her new appointment in July.

“Rural communities are filled with innovative, amazing, hardworking people, but they need the right foundations to really thrive. I strongly believe that reliable healthcare is one of those foundations.”

Link appreciates the importance of accessible healthcare, given two of her now-adult children have complex healthcare needs. Her husband, Kevin, who recently retired after serving as a paramedic for 37 years in the region, also has given her insight.

“Those experiences have given me such enormous respect for our healthcare professionals and the teams. They’ve also reinforced that access to healthcare is not an abstract policy issue. It affects real people and families, and it’s needed during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

Learn more about RHPAP's new chair, on the blog: https://loom.ly/AyjaVDA

10/15/2026

A northern Alberta community has wrapped itself around a new couple in town, fully understanding its support may encourage the occupational therapist (OT) to feel welcome and continue to call the area home.

When OT Pimtida Alberts and her husband, Marcus, arrived from Thailand on one of the coldest days last January, Dalique van der Nest was there to welcome them with a warm toque and a ride from Edmonton International Airport to Slave Lake.

Van der Nest, executive director, Allied Health & Volunteer Resources, NW Corridor for Alberta Health Services, knew full well this gesture would be an important part of the Alberts’ integration into Canadian life, having never stepped foot in the country.

Twenty-seven years ago, Dalique herself also arrived in Slave Lake with her husband Johan and their three-year-old child after moving from South Africa. They were tasked with setting up the first OT positions in the area.

“We were drawn in by the personal touch by two very friendly leaders who became my mentors here for 20 years,” recalls van der Nest. “I truly believe that connections to team members, friends, and the community are essential.

Read the full story on the blog: https://loom.ly/Qb517x4

Alberta College of Occupational Therapists Town of Slave Lake

10/14/2026

Register for the FREE Knowledge Now webinar happening tomorrow, Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. MST! https://loom.ly/g7UPZm0

Rural healthcare relies on strong, collaborative teams where every profession can contribute to the full extent of their education, training, and scope of practice. But what does that look like in practice?

Join RHPAP, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta - CRNA for an interdisciplinary conversation exploring the roles and scopes of practice of physician assistants and rural nurses in Alberta’s rural healthcare settings.

RHPAP's interactive Knowledge Now webinar series is geared toward rural AIR committee members, practicing rural healthcare professionals, local and municipal leaders, medical and healthcare students and other stakeholders with a passion for supporting rural health.

We hope to see you there!

10/14/2026

🦷 From high school work experience to hometown dentist!

Dr. Taylor Ruether discovered her love of dentistry right in Fairview, AB.

After eight years of university, she returned home to build her career — and she hasn't looked back!

What's the best part of being a rural dentist? Rewarding work, plenty of variety, a great team and time for family.

👉 Watch Taylor's story and discover why rural dentistry might be the perfect fit for you!
Town of Fairview Municipal District of Fairview No. 136
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - University of Alberta Mighty Peace Tourism Alberta Dental Association