About Us
REACH BC is an online platform that connects volunteers and researchers to enable health research studies across the province.
We make it easy for volunteers to discover opportunities to participate in research, and we help recruit participants into studies and clinical trials.
This increases the quality of research and the global competitiveness of BC's research environment.
REACH BC is an initiative of Clinical Trials British Columbia. We are grateful for funding and support from Michael Smith Health Research BC and the BC SUPPORT Unit, which is founded under Canada’s Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR).
What we do
REACH BC is bridging the gap between the public and researchers.
- We make it easier for patients and the public to find out what health research is happening in BC, to connect with researchers, and to participate.
- We make it easier and more efficient for researchers to find participants and partners for their research and clinical trials.
Who can use REACH BC?
REACH BC is for everyone. The public and communities, as well as people in the health research and clinical trials space, can all use REACH BC. This includes:
- People who want to volunteer or participate in research
- People who want to join a research team and contribute their lived experience, called patient partners
- Researchers and research institutions in BC
- Independent and community-based researchers
- Out-of-province researchers looking for participants in BC
Our impact
Since launching, REACH BC has connected thousands of British Columbians with health research opportunities. By making it easier for volunteers to get involved and for researchers to find participants, we’re strengthening research outcomes and building a healthier, more connected community across BC.
Why REACH BC?
Clinical trials bring tomorrow’s care to people today. REACH BC helps make British Columbia a leader in health research that is accessible, transparent, and person-centred. We help ensure that British Columbia is a place where patients, researchers, and communities can access and benefit from world-class research.
By improving the participant and researcher experience, increasing effectiveness, and strengthening our systems, we enable clinical trials that improve the health of British Columbians, the health system, and the economy.
How it works
Create a profile, share your health interests, and set your preferences so we can match you with studies that matter to you.
Researchers share details about their studies, including the purpose, study description, eligibility requirements, and timelines.
REACH BC automatically connects volunteers with studies that fit their profile, making participation easy and relevant.
Researchers reach out to matched volunteers, and volunteers can participate, contribute, and make a difference in health research.
Researchers can share results, including interim findings, directly with participants in clear, accessible summaries, keeping volunteers informed and engaged.
Our team
Platform Administrator: Michelle Chen Coordinator: Justine Clayton Director: Alison Orth
Contact us
For questions about using the platform, volunteering, or research participation: info@reachbc.ca For marketing, publicity, or media inquiries: communications@reachbc.ca Phone: 604 - 714 - 6336 Address: Suite 200, 1285 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3X8
REACH BC ambassadors
To strengthen awareness and engagement in health research across British Columbia, REACH BC partners with a range of organizations. These include:
We’re excited to be revitalizing our ambassador program to continue growing our outreach and community impact. A dedicated page showcasing our ambassadors and their contributions is coming soon — stay tuned!
History of REACH BC
Launched in May 2020, REACH BC was developed with joint input from health authorities, university partners, patients and community members.
Originally a multi-partner demonstration project of the BC SUPPORT Unit, the development of REACH BC was funded and supported by the BC Academic Health Science Network, Clinical Trials BC, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Digital Solutions, University of British Columbia Advanced Research Computing, and Population Data BC.
We acknowledge and appreciate the leadership and guidance we have received from Dr. Robert McMaster, the previous REACH BC Executive Director.
Acknowledgments and guiding principles
We acknowledge with respect and humility that our offices are located on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We also acknowledge the diverse First Nations across British Columbia, who have inherent rights rooted in the connection to their lands and waters, which have never been surrendered. In the spirit of reconciliation, we aim to practice cultural safety, value Indigenous ways of knowing, and respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Privacy and security
REACH BC will not release any of your personal information to third parties, participating organizations, and/or other institutions. Your information will only be available to the researcher(s) after you indicate interest in being contacted about a particular study.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us or view our Privacy Statement and Terms of Use.
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