Community Health Connect is the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.
Hi , in this issue you can get information about:
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Free support for navigating ADHD, learning disabilities in Calgary
Mental health matters at every age
Alberta Wallet is a digital step forward in health and identity access
Cold and flu season in Alberta
Free support for navigating ADHD, learning disabilities in Calgary
Living with ADHD or a learning disability can be challenging. Whether it’s difficult to focus on work, frustration at school, or uncertainty around a diagnosis, the journey can feel isolating. These challenges don’t only affect the individual, but they can also affect families, loved ones, educators, and even employers.
That’s where the Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network, Calgary Region comes in. This collaborative group provides free, personalized support to help individuals and families navigate ADHD and learning disabilities at any stage, before or after diagnosis, and across all ages.
What makes this network unique is its lifespan approach. From young children entering school to adults managing careers, relationships, or parenting, the network offers practical tools, resources, and guidance that reflect the reality of daily life with ADHD or learning disabilities.
Services include:
One-on-one resource navigation, tailored to your needs
A monthly e-newsletter featuring local tools and updates
Lunch and learn presentations for workplaces and community groups
An annual Insights Event for families, adults, and educators
Follow-up is encouraged: Individuals are welcome to reconnect anytime for updated resources or additional support.
Getting started is easy. No referral is needed, and you can reach out via their website contact form, email, or by calling 403.630.1616. Most people hear back within two days.
In the past year alone, the network responded to over 215 inquiries and reached more than 250 people through in-person and virtual programming. Behind each of those numbers is someone who found the information, clarity, and community they needed.
Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or have been managing ADHD or learning disabilities for years, the message is clear: You are not alone. Help is here.
Did you know that one in five adult Canadians experiences a mental health issue each year, according to the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health?
Misinformation about mental health can stop people, especially older adults, from reaching out for the support they need.
Let’s clear up a few common myths:
Myth: Mental health challenges are a sign of weakness. Fact: Mental health conditions are influenced by many factors, including family history, health conditions, relationships, culture, environment, and more. Many of these factors are outside a person's control. Like any other health condition, they require care and support, not judgment.
Myth: It’s too late to ask for help. Fact: Mental health support is valuable at every age. Many older adults benefit from therapy as they navigate retirement, health changes, caregiving, or loss.
Myth: Talking about suicide makes people more likely to act on it. Fact: Honest, compassionate conversations can actually reduce stigma, open doors to support, and help people feel less alone.
Myth: Only medication helps with mental health challenges. Fact: Treatment looks different for everyone. It may include counselling, lifestyle changes, social connection, community programs, medication, or a combination of treatment options.
When stress, grief, anxiety, or life transitions feel overwhelming, you’re not alone, and our psychologist team is here to help.
At our PCN, our psychologists are here to support you with evidence-based care that’s tailored to your needs. Whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, depression, or adjusting to life’s changes, our team provides:
Confidential, one-on-one sessions focused on your goals
Short-term, solution-focused therapy to give you practical tools
Support for all ages — children, youth, adults, and seniors
Referrals and connections to additional community resources if needed
You don’t need to manage mental health challenges alone. Talk to your family doctor about a referral to one of our psychologists or another mental health program. Together, we can help you find the right support.
Alberta Wallet is a digital step forward in health and identity access
The Alberta government has launched Alberta Wallet, a secure and easy-to-use digital platform that allows residents to carry select government-issued documents directly on their mobile device or through their Alberta.ca account.
Currently, Alberta Wallet supports the Mobile Health Card, with more document types expected in the future. It’s a convenient way to keep important health information with you without needing to carry a physical card.
Using Alberta Wallet is optional, and physical documents are still valid. The platform was designed to offer choice, flexibility, and increased access, especially in moments when quick access to identification matters.
Alberta Wallet uses strong privacy and security protections, and only you control who sees your documents. It's available through a downloadable mobile app or directly through the Alberta.ca website. To access the Mobile Health Card, users must first sign up for MyHealth Records and verify their Alberta.ca account.
Why it matters
Digital access helps reduce stress during medical appointments, supports better recordkeeping, and ensures your documents are safe. It’s particularly helpful for caregivers, seniors, or anyone managing multiple appointments or medications.
Phase one of the fall immunization campaign is underway. Eligible Albertans can now book their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Get the details about eligibility.
You can book an immunization appointment online or by calling Health Link at 811.
As Alberta enters the colder months, the risk of catching a respiratory virus, such as the common cold or flu, increases significantly. Older adults are especially vulnerable, as these illnesses can lead to more serious complications for them.
Know the difference: Colds come on gradually, while the flu hits suddenly and harder. If you have high fever, chest pain, or trouble breathing, seek care right away.
Preventing illness: What can you do?
Get your flu vaccine: It’s the most effective protection and is free for all Albertans aged six months and older
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often (for 20 seconds each time), avoid touching your face, and stay away from people who are sick
Recovery tips, especially for older adults:
Stay hydrated: Even small, frequent sips help prevent dehydration, a common concern when you’re unwell.
Prioritize eating well: Easy-to-eat foods like soups, smoothies, nuts, eggs, or dairy will help keep up your energy.
Rest well: Propping yourself up in bed can ease congestion and promote better breathing at night.
Seek urgent care if you experience:
Persistent high fever or difficulty breathing
Severe fatigue, confusion, or chest pain
Symptoms that last longer than a week, especially if you have underlying conditions
