May 28, 2025
Joyce Hill loves to spend time with her granddaughter, Lily, at the pool. After struggling with joint pain and advancing arthritis, Hill decided to give the Alberta Virtual Pain Program a try. “This is a phenomenal resource. I’ve learned innovative ways to live with and accept my limitations (because they don’t feel as overwhelming) allowing me to celebrate the littlest of ‘victories’. I’m more present when spending time with family, and I’m able to make time for things that really matter, like playing with my grandchildren.” Supplied
Story by Vanessa Gomez & Janine Poersch
Living with chronic pain can feel isolating and like each day is an uphill battle. Joyce Hill knew this struggle all too well. As her joint pain and advancing arthritis worsened, she felt worried about her future.
“I felt desperate and very alone, wondering how to cope moving forward,” she shares. After learning about Primary Care Alberta’s Virtual Pain Program (AVPP) through her daughter, she decided to reach out. “I felt I had nothing to lose and called immediately.”
Wherever you live in Alberta, the AVPP offers a free, interactive way to help people manage their pain to improve daily life. The program offers expert guidance, peer support and practical strategies for people experiencing persistent pain longer than three months.
“People living with chronic pain are looking to better understand their pain, connect with others living with pain, and seek strategies on managing their pain beyond the use of medications,” says Susan Sobey-Fawcett, program lead. “Individuals can refer themselves, or a healthcare provider can refer them.”
“People can join from the comfort and safety of their home, making this an accessible resource for Albertans, no matter where they live.”
When people join the program, they’re connected with nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, peer support workers and mental health professionals to help them forward on their journey.
The six-week program offers two one-hour Zoom sessions each week, and covers group education and self-management sessions, group peer support sessions, and opportunities to connect with others living with pain.
Through AVPP, Hill learned new ways to manage her pain — including adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, improving her sleep routine, being in nature and practicing meditation.
The program’s workbook helped Hill reflect on herself and what matters to her, which also gave her tools to advocate for herself during medical appointments.
“I came to my next doctor’s appointment very prepared with a list of questions and was specific (and realistic) about what I wanted to improve,” Hill shares. “For the first time, I felt heard and compassionately supported.”
“The AVPP is a phenomenal resource. I’ve learned innovative ways to live with and accept my limitations because they don’t feel as overwhelming, allowing me to celebrate the littlest of ‘victories’.”
“I’m more present when spending time with family, and I’m able to make time for things that really matter — like playing with my grandchildren.”
Albertans looking to join the program can call Health Link’s dedicated chronic pain phone line at 1-877-719-7707 or visit the website to learn more. Healthcare provider referrals are also accepted.
