Linking First Nations Diabetes Care (LINK)
Through Linking First Nations Diabetes Care, we are ensuring that world-class diabetes care is available in every corner of Alberta.
For many First Nations people living in rural and remote communities, managing diabetes is a battle fought on two fronts: the disease itself and the systemic barriers to care.
For too long, "specialized care" meant a six-hour drive, days away from family, and navigating a healthcare system that often fails to recognize cultural realities.
This is where the Alberta Diabetes Foundation steps in. We know that Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by diabetes. We also know that the traditional way of delivering care isn't working for everyone.
About LINK:
A Shared Commitment: Developed in partnership with the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health and the Alberta Diabetes Institute.
A First-in-Class Solution: A full-service virtual clinic designed to provide specialized care to remote communities.
Supporting the Mission: Alongside First Nations leaders and community partners, ADF is proud to help fund this vital digital lifeline
LINK's strength comes from its partnership with the Okaki Virtual Diabetes Care Clinic (ODVCC), which empowers Indigenous people with diabetes by offering culturally safe virtual care and education. The ODVCC includes:
Diabetes specialists
Certified educators
Allied health professionals to support Indigenous community members
The Okaki offers a full-service medical model that includes:
Robust Care Coordination: Ensuring no one falls through the cracks between appointments.
Expert Consultation: Patients receive direct access to specialists at the University of Alberta without leaving their community.
Sustainable Innovation: This isn't just a pilot project, it is a scalable blueprint for how we can deliver equity in healthcare across the province.
The Gap We Are Closing
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800+ New Patients
LINK reached over 800 individuals who previously struggled to access consistent care.
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26+ Communities
The LINK footprint now spans across more than 26 Indigenous communities throughout Alberta.
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Culturally Safe Care
By prioritizing cultural safety and care coordination, we build the trust that is essential for long-term health.
Your Support is the LINK to Care
“LINK has grown thanks to our donors’ generosity. To keep it running and bring it to the 26 more communities that need it, we need your support.”
Funding LINK supports researchers, helps clinicians treat patients, and builds a community that respects and honours people with diabetes. This project prevents amputations and blindness and keeps families together.