Tumbler Ridge will be getting a new Health Coach/Navigator role aimed at supporting individuals living with type 2 diabetes to pursue remission through evidence-based, food-first approaches.
The new position is part of a two-year pilot project developed through a partnership between the local Type 2 Diabetes Committee, Rural Coordination Centre of BC, Shared Care, the South Peace Mackenzie Trust, the District of Tumbler Ridge, and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark.
“There is strong scientific evidence supporting diabetes remission, and this project brings that evidence into a real-world, community-based setting where it can truly make a difference,” says project advocate, Dr Charles Helm.
This initiative responds to the growing need for accessible, preventative healthcare solutions in rural communities, where rates of type 2 diabetes remain high and access to coordinated care can be limited.
At the core of the project is the creation of a new Community Health Coach/Navigator position, who will be embedded within the local health system. This person will work closely with physicians, allied health professionals, food providers, Indigenous partners, and community organizations to provide personalized support, improve access to services, and help individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes.
“This project reflects a growing recognition that communities are powerful drivers of better health outcomes. It aligns very well with our Health in Geoparks initiative, which empowers people to improve physical and mental well-being by reconnecting with their bodies, the natural world, and one another,” says UNESCO Global Geopark director, Manda Maggs.
Shared Care and the South Peace Mackenzie Trust have provided the means to bring this project to Tumbler Ridge.
Shared Care is a provincial committee formed by a partnership between Doctors of BC and the BC government to support family and specialist physicians to improve the coordination of care.
The District of Tumbler Ridge and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark have also provided in-kind support in the form of administration and office space.
Beyond individual health outcomes, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, create local employment, and reinforce confidence in Tumbler Ridge as a healthy and sustainable place to live and work.
“This project represents a practical and hopeful shift in how we approach type 2 diabetes in rural communities,” says coordinator Alison James. “With the right support, many people can achieve remission through food-based approaches. By embedding community health coaches alongside local providers, we hope to provide patient-centred support that helps individuals and communities reclaim their health.”
The program also reflects a broader vision of integrating health, nature, and community development, positioning the region as a leader in innovative, place-based health solutions.
Recruitment for the Health Coach/Navigator position is anticipated to begin soon, with the role expected to be in place by mid-2026.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
