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History
The British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health (BCCEWH) began in 1995 when a consortium of women’s organizations, universities, and health care providers, led by BC Women’s Hospital, presented a plan for an integrated health and research centre to Health Canada’s Women’s Health Contribution Program. The vision of the BCCEWH was that of “Closing the Loop” between research, policy, and care.
After receiving funding from the Women’s Health Contribution Program, the BCCEWH opened in late 1996 at BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC, with a second office at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. The Northern Secretariat focused on remote and rural women’s health. In March 2001, the Northern Secretariat became Northern FIRE: The Centre for Women’s Health Research at UNBC.
From a small initial core staff, the BCCEWH has grown to more than 30 staff and associates. Since our inception, we have completed over 270 research and knowledge translation projects and received several million dollars in funding from local, national and international research funding agencies, as well as numerous government departments and agencies.
During the first five years, our research was framed by three themes: Healthy Women and Healthy Communities, Health Status and Health Determinants, Women Centred Care. We sponsored a Seed Grant Program for research that aligned with these themes, and over the course of four years, the program's projects were awarded more than $450,000 in funding.
Since then, the work of the BCCEWH has evolved as opportunities, staffing, and partnerships evolved. Currently, BCCEWH activities focus on women and addictions; mental health; health services; mothering and maternity; and physical activity.
Today the BCCEWH collaborates with women’s health researchers across British Columbia, across Canada and around the world. The BCCEWH is known internationally for its work on women tobacco issues, as well as our change-oriented research and knowledge exchange activities.
Mission
The mission of the British Columbia Excellence for Women’s Health (BCCEWH) is to improve the health of women through innovative research and the development of women-centred programs, practice, and policies.
BCCEWH reports:
Making Waves- 1996 to 2001 (1.7MB)
Still Making Waves- 1996-2006 (1.7MB)
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