We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the development of skilled, professional, and healthy community health and addiction workers. We also strive to enhance their effectiveness in meeting the needs of First Nations people and their communities.

Our support of these workers helps to ensure that they are skilled, respected professionals in the community, and that they are also models of wellness in their own personal lives. In this regard, we are endeavoring to establish accredited training programs that will prepare and educate workers to become certified professional community health representatives. Accreditation of training programs for new and existing health and addiction workers are being explored. We are seeking alliance development and partnerships between accredited educational institutions and First Nations organizations.

Needs of workers and their communities, such as health transfer, the development of a classification system for health and addiction workers (roles, duties, knowledge, skills, and aptitudes), training programs and training resources are being examined and dealt with. Use of new distance learning technologies are being encouraged.

We look forward to a greater recognition as a credible and critical resource by health and addiction workers as well as potential and current funders. In supporting and encouraging health care workers to assume strong, involved, and empowered roles in First Nations communities, we feel that the health needs of all communities will be met.

Representation of Community Health Associates is province-wide. Our Board of Directors consists of eight members, with two board members representing one of four zones, as follows:

Northeast Zone

Northwest Zone

South Mainland Zone

Vancouver Island Zone

Our annual general meeting brings health care workers from around the province and staff together to share concerns and generate new and innovative ideas for the betterment of our association. The executive of the Board of Directors meets throughout the year to discuss concerns of the four zones and to plan upcoming events and strategies. Community Health Associates of BC is, indeed, a vibrant organization that is working diligently for the betterment of First Nations health care.