HEATHER CAMERON, GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR
Fort Macleod and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) was awarded a grant of $145,500 over two years through Healthy Aging Alberta to support the LINK Worker Program.
“This funding was provided to support social prescribing initiatives through the LINK Worker Program,” said Fort Macleod and District FCSS co-ordinator Sharon Brown.
“FCSS was very pleased to receive this funding. It represents a meaningful investment in community-based supports, and strengthens our ability to respond to social isolation and service navigation challenges within the Town of Fort Macleod and surrounding areas of the MD of Willow Creek.”
The funding allows FCSS to expand its capacity to meet community needs and develop innovative approaches that support healthy aging and overall well-being, Brown said.
Social prescribing, Brown said, is an approach that connects individuals to non-medical supports in their community that can improve overall health and well-being.
A LINK Worker, Brown explained, acts as a connector between the health care system and community resources, and works with individuals to identify needs, goals, and barriers.
The worker then helps link them to appropriate supports such as social programs, recreation opportunities, meal programs, peer supports, volunteer opportunities, and other community-based services.
LINK workers also strive to reduce social isolation, improve well-being, and support healthier, more connected lives through community engagement and practical supports.
“The funding will support the implementation of the LINK Worker Program, including staffing for a Link worker position, program co-ordination, community outreach, training, and the development and strengthening of partnerships with local health and social service providers, Brown said.”
Fort Macleod and District FCSS was selected due to its established role in delivering community supports, strong local partnerships, and its ability to connect individuals, particularly older adults and other vulnerable populations, to non-medical supports that improve overall well-being and reduce social isolation.
“We would like to acknowledge Healthy Aging Alberta for recognizing the importance of community-based social prescribing programs,” Brown said. “While health care providers address medical needs, social prescribing recognizes that factors such as isolation, housing, transportation, nutrition, financial stress, and access to community activities can significantly impact a person’s health.”
“We are excited to begin this work and look forward to the positive impact it will have locally.”
Brown said FCSS is “actively focused” on building strong connections with local health and community partners to support the success of the LINK Worker Program.
Brown emphasizes that referrals to the program will be welcomed from a wide range of sources, including health care professionals, family members, caregivers, community agencies, school or service providers, and individuals seeking support for themselves.
“The goal is to make the program as accessible as possible, ensuring that anyone who may benefit from social prescribing supports can be connected,” Brown said.
A key component of the program will be developing a consistent caseload of clients for the LINK worker to support on an ongoing basis.
“The intent is to provide sustained navigation, follow-up, and connection so individuals can more effectively access the social supports they need over time,” Brown explained.
To support this FCSS will be distributing referral forms to health partners and community agencies to streamline the referral process.
Community members who are not connected through a service provider are encouraged to contact the FCSS office directly for information, support, or guidance on next steps.
