The Students’ International Health Association (SIHA) is a student group based at the University of Alberta that “strives to transform primary health care philosophy into action.” Our projects are based on the ideals of universal health care with principles of sustainable, community-based programming. SIHA Local coordinates many projects within the Edmonton community and surrounding areas, while our International Projects provide education around the world in countries including Guyana and Tanzania.
SIHA Local Project’s has been providing “health for all” in Edmonton and surrounding areas since the early 1990’s. In 2003, SIHA formed a formal working partnership with the HIV Network Society of Edmonton (HIV Edmonton) and has since worked with HIV Edmonton to deliver HIV/AIDS education programs in the greater Edmonton Area, including schools and youth groups. In addition, SIHA provides education about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to these same areas. Ultimately, SIHA’s goal is to provide information about harm reduction in a non-biased, non-judgmental way. This involves presenting youth with options on reducing or eliminating their participation in activities that could put them at risk for contracting HIV or STIs. We are also aiming to address communication skills for youth when negotiating the use of safe-sex barriers, and making related positive lifestyle choices.
Over the summer, two new curriculums have been developed and we are hoping to have these up and running for the fall! SIHA’s Healthy Lifestyles curriculum includes nutrition, eating disorders and body image education as well as an analysis of media pressure associated with body image. This curriculum aims to assist youth in maintaining a healthy relationship with their bodies. SIHA has also developed Big Tobacco, which is a curriculum that focuses on the socioeconomic impact of the tobacco industry and how youth are effected. These presentations are aimed at high school students, in hopes of providing a new way for youth to understand the negative impact the tobacco industry. We also provide a Tobacco curriculum for grade 6 students, which provides basic facts, health information and ways in which students can overcome peer pressure associated with tobacco. In addition to our youth education programs, SIHA also works on the University of Alberta main campus to raise awareness among students in regards to all of the aforementioned health topics. It is our hope that with these efforts and all of the education programs mentioned above we can help to promote health lifestyle choices among today’s youth.
SIHA Local's Main Objectives:
To provide information, support, and skills around sexuality, STI & HIV prevention, Tobacco use and healthy living to youth through peer-facilitated workshops.
To reduce the incidence of high risk sexual behavior among youth and young adults, using a harm reduction model.
To promote healthy lifestyle choices among youth.
SIHA Curricula Currently Available:
To reduce the incidence of high risk sexual behavior among youth and young adults, using a harm reduction model.
To promote healthy lifestyle choices among youth.
SIHA Curricula Currently Available:
HIV/AIDS
Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs)
Healthy Lifestyles
Tobacco and Cessation (Grade 6)
Big Tobacco
Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs)
Healthy Lifestyles
Tobacco and Cessation (Grade 6)
Big Tobacco
If you are a University Student that is interested in joining our diverse team of educators, we are accepting applications in September! If you would like an application or have any questions, please email Lauren Paul (VP Local) or Amanda Sarrazin (President) at siha.local@gmail.com.
To book a presentation for any of our curricula, please email us at siha.local@gmail.com.
