HealthLink celebrates 25 years of service in Alberta

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 27, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

This month, HealthLink 811 turns 25 years old and celebrates a quarter century of health information and advice.

Health Link launched Sept. 19, 2000, with 40 employees serving those in the Edmonton area. It has since expanded to Albertans across the province, and in 2015 adopted the easy-to-remember 811 number.

“Many things have changed over the years but our commitment to trusted health supports has remained constant,” said Primary Care Alberta CEO Kim Simmonds. “Our strong and mighty team of around 800 professionals is here to support Albertans live their best lives – and is always a call away.”

Over the years, Health Link 811 has added specialized supports for dementia, parents and newborns, addiction and mental health, nutrition and rehabilitation and the Virtual MD program, connecting callers directly with physicians to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.

Non-emergency 911 callers have also been redirected to Health Link 811 nurses.

The service has played a role during natural disasters as well as being the point of contact for many during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024-25, more than 1.2 million calls were made to Health Link 811.

“Health Link 811 started as this little unknown program 25 years ago and today it is an essential part of the resources Albertans have to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” said Yvonne Ewanicke, a Health Link 811 director. “What started as a nursing service for one city is now available to every Albertan and supports almost every aspect of their health care journey.”

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