As we face the second wave of COVID-19 and the introduction of additional public health measures in Alberta to try to flatten the curve, we know this is a challenging time for all of us.

Alberta Blue Cross® supports the Government of Alberta in implementing enhanced public health measures to protect our health care system and slow the spread of COVID-19, and we strongly encourage all Albertans to follow all new public health measures.

As we celebrate the holidays this year, we also know that it won’t be a typical season for any of us.

Supporting our mental health

Taking care of our mental health is particularly critical during this time. Maintaining connections with family, friends and co-workers is more important than ever—whether it is done by phone, text, email or video call.

If you are struggling with stress, isolation or depression, help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available through your benefit plan as well as through Alberta Health Services.

Supporting our communities

Many of our fellow Albertans are still struggling from the double impact of the pandemic and continued low oil and gas prices. If you can, we encourage you to help those in need by supporting any of the many charities that help those in need at this time of the year.

In the spirit of supporting our community through the holiday season, Alberta Blue Cross® is making a $75,000 donation this month from our community foundation to support food insecurity initiatives across the province.

Supporting our businesses

We also encourage you to support local businesses, many of which are fighting for survival during this economic downturn.

While Alberta Blue Cross® is best known for health benefits, we’re also an advocate for wellness—and we know that financial wellness is top-of-mind for Albertans right now. Doing what we can to collectively support the financial well-being of our communities helps everyone to get through this challenging time together. Shopping locally keeps dollars circulating in your local community—which directly benefits your local economy, and in turn benefits everyone.

At Alberta Blue Cross®, we believe in leading by example. We employ more than 1,100 Albertans across the province, pay local taxes and spend millions of dollars each year on products and services purchased within the province.

For more information on buying local, please see our recent media release encouraging our fellow Albertans to also buy local.

It is truly by pulling together as a community that we will get through this.