Collaborative Workshop at Prince George Family YMCA

Last week, the DHL team had the privilege of co-hosting a collaborative planning meeting in beautiful Prince George, BC. This workshop brought together individuals who have lived experience with the YMCA "Healthy Hips & Knees" exercise program, with the goal to collaboratively identify potential barriers and facilitators to program expansion.

Many thanks to our amazing group of workshop participants for their enthusiasm and support!

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In partnership with YMCA BC, we received a Michael Smith Health Research BC "Convening and Collaborating" grant to support planning the evaluation and expansion of the "Healthy Hips and Knees" program that is currently offered at the Prince George Family YMCA. This group program is delivered by exercise professionals at the Y and designed to support individuals undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. 

The main focus of the half-day workshop was two facilitated small-group discussion sessions, with spokespeople presenting a summary of each group's feedback after each session. We also heard some powerful participant testimonials reinforcing the value of the program.

Small-group discussion session


First spokesperson presenting discussion results


Second spokesperson presenting discussion results


Third spokesperson presenting discussion results

Workshop attendees included patient partners who have participated in Healthy Hips & Knees sessions, local program delivery staff, healthcare providers from Northern Health, and researchers from UNBC. We would like to thank all our partners for their participation and willingness to share their insight! We had a wonderful day connecting with local interest holders and learning more about the program.

Research team standing in front of Prince George mural

Research team representatives from left to right:

  • Rebecca Jantzen (Research Lab Manager, DHL)
  • Alyssa O'Connor (Director of Chronic Disease Programs, YMCA BC)
  • Jean Buckler (Assistant Professor, UVic EPHE)
  • India Edwards-Loewen (Undergraduate Student, UVic EPHE; Research Assistant, DHL)
  • Sam Liu (Associate Professor, UVic EPHE; Research Director, DHL)