Rural Health Professions Action Plan

05/28/2026

Today we’re in Olds supporting their healthcare provider appreciation BBQ !

Communities across Alberta are coming together to celebrate the people bringing care closer to home.

From local clinics to community events, rural healthcare teams are making a lasting impact, supporting their neighbours today and helping build strong, sustainable care for the future.

Is your community celebrating? Tag us and share your story!



Olds Healthcare Fundraising Committee Olds and Area Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee Town of Olds

05/28/2026

Mothers know best.

Rural generalist physician Dr. Ryan Schaub can attest to that after his own mom strongly suggested he pursue a university degree.

Her wisdom bore fruit for Dr. Schaub, and the community of Athabasca, where he now practises, actively encouraging others to consider a career in rural medicine.

In high school, the young man worked construction with his father, building a condominium for local physicians in his home community of Lac La Biche.

When the physicians asked about his future, he responded, “I don’t know. I’m going to university. At least, that’s what my mother says,” recalls Dr. Schaub.

They asked if he had considered medicine and offered to shadow him in their clinic and local emergency room (ER) to get a firsthand look at the profession.

“I saw some small procedures and thought ‘this is really cool’ and ‘I should try to do this.’ Thankfully with some effort and luck, I was able to get in. It’s been a great journey.”

Nearly seven years ago, Dr. Schaub began practicing in Athabasca. His goal was to practice in a rural area, preferably close to his family (about an hour away).

Paying his own experiences forward, he endeavours to influence learners — from high school students to those already carving out their medical paths — by inviting them for mentoring opportunities.

“I try to get them interested and involved early,” says Dr. Schaub, who has previously volunteered for RHPAP Let’s Go Rural! High School events which spun off into Athabasca’s own annual version for local students.

🔗Read the full story on the blog: https://loom.ly/rlZP_p4

Town of Athabasca

05/27/2026

🌟 Who brings care closer in your community? 🌟

This Alberta Rural Health Week, take a moment to recognize a rural healthcare professional who has made a difference in your life.

Share a message, post a photo, or use one of our downloadable cards to say thank you.

Small gestures go a long way in showing appreciation for those who care for our communities every day.

Download the cards and other resources at RHPAP.ca/ARHW

05/26/2026

Great opportunity for rural healthcare professionals wanting to better understand the unique realities facing Canadian farmers and ranchers.

Mental health support in agriculture starts with understanding agriculture.

AgCulture is a free monthly mental health literacy workshop designed specifically for health professionals who want to better understand the unique realities facing Canadian farmers and ranchers.

📅 Sessions run monthly with the next happening on May 29
💻 Online via Zoom

AgCulture builds awareness of agricultural stressors, strengthens therapeutic relationships with rural clients, and equips participants with culturally competent, practical skills to better support farming communities.

Ideal for social workers, psychologists, nurses, physicians, and anyone working at the intersection of mental health and rural life.

Facilitated by Bonnie Taylor, MSW, RSW, a psychotherapist and member of the rural agricultural community who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to this work.

Free to attend. Register for the next session: https://hubs.ly/Q04gHsNs0

Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Across the province, healthcare teams are caring for patients across long distances, building strong relationships, and ensuring their communities can access care where they live.

Their work makes a real difference today and for the future of rural healthcare.

Watch and celebrate the people bringing care closer to home.

05/25/2026

📢 Alberta Rural Health Week 2026 is here!

Nearly one in five Albertans live in rural and remote communities and every day, healthcare teams are bringing care closer to home.

This week, we celebrate the people who make that possible. From small towns to remote regions, rural healthcare professionals are supporting their communities today while helping shape the future of care in Alberta.

Join us as we recognize their impact and share your support.

05/23/2026

The countdown is on! 🎉

Alberta Rural Health Week is almost here — May 25 to 29, 2026, is a time to recognize and celebrate the dedication, innovation, and heart of rural healthcare across our province.

We’re honoured to share the official declaration from the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services as we prepare for a week of celebration and recognition.

Keep an eye on our channels for upcoming stories, spotlights, and events! 💙

05/20/2026

RHPAP is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Rhapsody Awards, which honour individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to rural healthcare in Alberta. These awards celebrate the vital contributions of healthcare professionals and community members working to strengthen care in rural communities across the province.

Rhapsody Physician Award: Dr. Wesley Steed

Dr. Wesley Steed has been awarded the 2026 Rhapsody Physician Award for his more than 32 years of dedicated service to the community of Taber and surrounding region.

Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award: Stettler District Ambulance Association

The 2026 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award has been awarded to the Stettler District Ambulance Association (SDAA), recognizing the team’s exceptional commitment to emergency medical services in rural central Alberta.

Both Dr. Wesley Steed and the Stettler District Ambulance Association will be celebrated in their respective communities in the coming weeks. Each celebration will feature an award presentation, a video profile highlighting their contributions, and a $1,250 donation made on their behalf to a local organization of their choice.

Read the full announcement: https://rhpap.ca/news-events/2026-rhapsody-award-recipients-honoured-for-excellence-in-rural-healthcare/

05/19/2026

Alberta Rural Health Week (ARHW) returns May 25 to 29, 2026, celebrating the healthcare professionals who bring care closer to home for rural and remote communities across the province.

Nearly one in five Albertans live in rural and remote areas. Every day, healthcare teams across these communities provide essential care; bridging distance, building strong relationships, and supporting patients where they live.

“Rural healthcare is about more than access, it’s about connection,” says Tracy Sopkow, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RHPAP). “Healthcare providers in rural Alberta play a vital role not only in delivering care, but in strengthening the communities they serve.”

Read the full announcement:

Download PDF May 19, 2026, (Rural Alberta) – Alberta Rural Health Week (ARHW) returns May 25 to 29, 2026, celebrating the healthcare...

05/19/2026

Happy Paramedic Services Week in Canada!

A heartfelt thank you to all the paramedics in rural Alberta for all you do for your patients.

We know paramedics, like Makayla in Peace River, are trained, and driven to provide the best care possible.

Alberta College of Paramedics Town of Peace River Mighty Peace Tourism Alberta Health Services Alberta Paramedic Association Alberta Paramedical Services Alberta Health Services EMS