Our Initiatives

The Provincial Women’s Health Strategy (PWHS)

In partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority (BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre) and the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health (BCCEWH), the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport’s goal is to:

  • advance girls’ and women’s health,
  • improve the evidence base for the health of girls and women, and
  • provide appropriate gender-sensitive care.

The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport collaborates with The Provincial Women’s Health Network (PWHN) which is guiding the PWHS implementation activities. Advancing the Health of Girls and Women (PDF 1 Mb) provides more information.

The three priorities of the PWHS are:

  • improving women’s health monitoring, surveillance and reporting
  • sustaining access to maternity care for women across the province, and
  • supporting women-centred approaches to mental health, problematic substance use and addictions for girls and women.

The PHWN is made up of members from each of the five health authorities and the Provincial Health Services Authority. If you are interested in the health of girls and women in your area, contact your local health authority.

The BC Center of Excellence for Women’s Health in collaboration with the Women’s Health Research Network launched the Women’s Health Data Directory in June 2007. The Health Data Directory provides a gateway to sources of data which supports health authorities in enhancing women’s health and furthers the Provincial Women’s Health Strategy.

ActNow BC Healthy Choices in Pregnancy (HCIP)

HCIP promotes the factors that contribute to healthy outcomes for pregnant women and their infants. A focus within this initiative is to encourage and assist women to stop or reduce their use of alcohol during pregnancy. The goal is to reduce the number of children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. HCIP is the fourth pillar of ActNow BC.

Core Public Health Functions

Core Functions in Public Health (Core Functions) will identify the key set of public health services that health authorities could provide to strengthen the link between public health, primary care, and chronic disease management.

One of the core evidence reviews will establish a model program to promote reproductive health. This model program will contribute to promoting the health of girls and women in B.C.