Basics for Health
Connecting our community with resources to ensure everyone can access health care services.
Are you facing challenges outside the clinic that are affecting your health? Would you benefit from connecting with community resources to address these challenges and support your health? Basics for Health is in place to help make those connections!
Hybrid program
We offer both in person service at the REACH community Health Centre in the Dental waiting area on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and online services remotely on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9:00 am to 11:30 am through TELUS Business Connect
How Can I Get Support?
A dedicated team of trained and supervised community volunteers is available to support you with meeting your health goals. Depending on your situation you may also be eligible for REACH social work services as well. Please email basicforhealth@reachcentre.bc.ca or ask a receptionist at Medical or Dental to access services.
Current Hours:
Available Onsite at REACH – in the Dental waiting Area:
Monday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Available Remotely Online - Through TELUS Business Connect:
Tuesday: 9:00am – 11:30am
Thursday: 9:00am – 11:30am
how to contact us
In-Person Inquiries: Volunteers will be at REACH on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Dental waiting area from 11:00am-1:00pm
Email & Video Call: Please email basic4health@reachcentre.bc.ca with any questions and for a video link to set up a meeting time.
Phone: Please call the main REACH line (604) 251-3000 and enter the extension 297
What is the Basics for Health Program?
The Basics for Health Program is a referral-based program at the REACH Community Health Centre that works to support the social and economic needs of patients of the REACH Medical, Dental, and Multicultural Family Centre. The program operates with the understanding that the factors affecting a person’s health and well-being go beyond primary health care. Volunteers will work with patients to connect them with the appropriate resources in many areas – applying for government programs and benefits, accessing certain health services, food security, child development, social supports, and more- to target underlying barriers to good health.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH BASICS FOR HEALTH?
Help improve health outcomes for individuals and families while gaining meaningful and valuable healthcare experience as a Basics for Health volunteer at REACH Community Health Centre!
Selection for the Basics for Health program is competitive. The qualities we value most are compassion, shared experiences with the communities we serve, and a demonstration of commitment in a previous work or volunteer role. Prior experience supporting vulnerable populations is valuable, but we’re especially looking for enthusiastic learners who have the capacity and motivation to stay with the program long-term.
The volunteer role is designed for individuals who would like to grow their understanding and knowledge of the social determinants of health. Our volunteers use community resources to support community members’ goals and, in the process, learn about the various programs available to vulnerable populations in Metro Vancouver. Our program is particularly well-suited to individuals interested in social work, public health, and primary care.
The volunteer role is designed for individuals who would like to grow their understanding and knowledge of the social determinants of health. Our volunteers use community resources to support community members’ goals, and in the process learn about a variety of programs available to vulnerable populations in Metro Vancouver. Our program is particularly well-suited to individuals interested in social work, public health, and primary care.
Application Details:
The Basics for Health program is currently not accepting new volunteer applications. Applications will open in Summer 2025.
For any other inquiries about applying to be a volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at b4hcoordinator@reachcentre.bc.ca
REACH provides innovative, high-quality primary health and dental care, and social, and educational services to support the physical and mental health and well-being of our community and individuals within it. We are a non-profit with funding from Vancouver Coastal Health, revenue from our dental clinic and pharmacy, and grants from community and governmental agencies. However, donations from our supporters can help us do more for our wonderful, diverse community.
Registered Charity Number 107877375 RR0001