September 26, 2025
CALGARY – Health Link 811 turned 25 years old this month. Over this quarter century registered nurses and other health professionals have received 27 million calls, providing Albertans across the province with trusted and accurate health information and advice.
“Many things have changed over the years but our commitment to trusted health supports has remained constant,” says 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.”
Health Link launched on Sept. 19, 2000, with 40 employees serving callers in the Edmonton and surrounding areas. Three years later, Health Link expanded to serve Albertans across the province and, in 2015, the service adopted the easy-to-remember 811 number.
Over the years, Health Link 811 has added specialized supports for dementia, parents and newborns, addiction and mental health, nutrition and rehabilitation. In 2022, the Virtual MD program launched to connect some Health Link 811 callers directly with physicians to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits. Similarly, 911 callers who don’t need an ambulance or emergency care are directed to Health Link 811 nurses.
Health Link 811 has also played a key role in supporting Albertans during disasters and emergencies. The service is often a first point of contact to the healthcare system for Albertans during wildfires and floods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Albertans relied on Health Link 811 to get trusted health information during an unprecedented public health crisis. Health Link 811 staff answered more than 248,000 calls in a single month, peaking at 12,000 calls in one day.
As the service has grown, so has its usage. In 2024-25, more than 1.2 million calls were made to Health Link 811, a 350 per cent increase from about 277,000 calls in its first fiscal year. Nursing triage services, routine immunization bookings, and information and referral services are currently the most common reasons Albertans call Health Link 811.
Yvonne Ewanicke is a registered nurse who started with the Health Link 811 team in 2001. She remembers the excitement of being part of a ground-breaking new service.
“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,” says Ewanicke, who is now one of Health Link 811’s directors. “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.”
For Albertans like Melissa McLeod, Health Link 811 is a lifeline. She initially called Health Link 811 because she thought she might be having a heart attack. After talking about her symptoms with a registered nurse, McLeod learned she was having a panic attack and was given strategies to help her relax. They worked, but she quickly called Health Link 811 back again to manage a new metallic taste she couldn’t get rid of.
“I was worried I might die,” said McLeod. “These nurses gave me strategies and support to help me manage my symptoms at home. I commend these amazingly compassionate and helpful angels for this support as they truly are life savers,” explained McLeod.
Primary Care Alberta is a made-in-Alberta solution to improve access to the primary care services Albertans rely on. By delivering coordinated services, Primary Care Alberta allows for valued healthcare professionals to do what they do best ─ care for you. Together, we are creating a future where compassionate, timely and effective healthcare is available to every Albertan at every stage of life.
