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(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)
By Nathaniel Leigh
Health

Wellspring Alberta opens in Grande Prairie for cancer patients and caregivers

May 8, 2026 | 6:05 AM

Wellspring Alberta has opened their new space in Grande Prairie.

Operating out of the Primary Care Network’s office, Wellspring will provide cancer support services to help patients handle emotional, social, and practical challenges beyond medical treatment.

Outreach Coordinator Brittany Pollard hosted a welcoming event Thursday, May 7, to present the service to the Grande Prairie area.

“Having the in-person cancer support for people within our community is so important in making sure that no one faces cancer alone,” Pollard says. “It’s just really special that we can all come together and celebrate with community members, partnerships, healthcare workers, and members themselves.”


(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/ Nathaniel Leigh)

Pollard says Wellspring Alberta provides the human side of cancer treatment.

“It is a great complement to the clinical side of cancer, and it is psychosocial support,” Pollard says. “It can be from physical activity, to learning in workshops, to peer support, to money matters programs, which is the financial side, and it is basically that support with people that get it.”

The services offered include peer support gatherings for individuals living with cancer and their caregivers to connect, as well as yoga sessions to support both physical and mental well-being.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton attended the event, calling the service truly special.

“To know that people won’t have to face cancer alone is something that Wellspring prides itself on,” Clayton says. “It’s about the doctors taking care of the cancer in the body and Wellspring taking care of the human.”


(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

Mayor Clayton and the city were recognized for their efforts to bring Wellspring Alberta to the Swan City.

“Making the right introductions so that an organization can settle into our community is something that we do regularly,” she explains. “But, when it comes to fruition, it can potentially have such impact. Like Wellspring, it’s something that you take pride in, but also, we know will have an impact for many years to come.”

Joline Hansen, a Wellspring member, expressed her admiration for the support she received after being diagnosed with cancer.

“After my surgery I tapped into the login links that the cancer clinic in Grande Prairie had sent me,” Hansen says. “Did some online courses. I kind of hit rock bottom when I was healing from my surgery, and they literally saved my life.”

Hansen praised the service for being able to provide aid to Grande Prairie and area residents, rather than having to travel to Edmonton or Calgary.

“Being able to connect with other people,” she says. “Knowing that they understand and have the same fears makes a big difference in how one moves forward after getting a cancer diagnosis.”

The event culminated with a stone-laying ceremony to symbolize the foundation being laid by this program.


(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)
by Nathaniel Leigh