The Alex Community Health Centre (“the Alex”) is a non-profit health and social services organization that has provided integrated and accessible supports and thoughtful, comprehensive care to Calgarians for almost 50 years. Located in Calgary, the Alex provides medical care to vulnerable, low-income community members. Data collected by the Alex reveals that after receiving thoughtful, comprehensive medical care for many years, most clients remain highly vulnerable, socially isolated, emotionally unwell, unstably housed, and living in extreme poverty.

Over the coming years, the Alex is shifting towards a Community Wellness Initiative model that situates medical services among a broader continuum of social, wellness, and health services. Clients will be provided with social integration and wellness services, including mental health; substance use and addictions; social skills; nutrition and food skills; physical activity; life skills; and individual and group social support in the same place they receive medical services. The Centre is supporting the Alex with the food component of the Community Wellness Initiative which seeks to improve access to affordable produce through a mobile market, improve food planning and preparation skills through programming, and address immediate food needs through meals and meal kits. The Centre will also support a comprehensive evaluation of all components of the Community Wellness Initiative to determine their contribution towards food security and improved mental health.