About Us
Discover health research studies happening in British Columbia with REACH BC, a non-profit provincial platform that connects volunteers with opportunities posted by researchers across the province.
Who We Are
REACH BC is an initiative of Michael Smith Health Research BC, British Columbia's health research agency. REACH BC helps enable and catalyze health research in BC, and is part of the organizational strategy working towards a future where BC is recognized worldwide for its vibrant, coherent, inclusive, and globally competitive health research system, which improves the health of British Columbians, the health system, and the economy.
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.
Our Team
REACH BC Manager Stefanie Cheah
REACH BC Marketing & Communications Specialist Aisling Quigley
REACH BC Project Coordinator Robyn Tkatch
EXECUTIVE
REACH BC Director, Alison Orth
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us by e-mail: info@reachbc.ca
For marketing, publicity, or media inquiries, contact: aquigley@healthresearchbc.ca
Phone: (236) 521-2064
Address: Suite 420, 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4A7
REACH BC Advisory Committee
The REACH BC Advisory Committee is a collaborative group providing expert advice, guidance, and tactical recommendations, to support decision-making, achievement of goals and objectives, and improvement of the use and operations of the REACH BC platform.
- Coleen Adderley, Manager, Clinical Research -Department of Interior Health
- Anne Babineau, Director - Innovative Medicines
- Lin Chen, Patient Partner Patient Voices Network Member, Vancouver, BC
- Gurm Dhugga, Associate Director, Research & Digital Technology - UBC Faculty of Medicine, Digital Solutions
- Leana Garraway, Manager, Health Research Institute/Co-Lead BC SUPPORT Unit Northern Centre - University of Northern BC (UNBC)
- Nicole Prestley, Research + Knowledge Translation, Women's Health Research Institute
- Prachi Khanna, Patient Partner, Patient Voice Network Committee Member - UBC undergraduate, Knowledge Translation Co-lead of PHC Renal Transitional Care Project, Vancouver, BC Knowledge Translation co-lead, Vancouver, BC
- Stephania Manusha, Director, Clinical Trials Administration - Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI)
- Robert McMaster, Chair, Vice Dean of Research - UBC Faculty of Medicine
- Tara McMillan, Manager, Patient and Public Research Engagement/Regional Centre Lead - Island Health/ BC SUPPORT Unit Island Centre
- Bev Pomeroy, Patient Engagement Specialist - BC SUPPORT Unit Fraser Centre
- Brittney Schichter, Research Navigator - Simon Fraser University, BC SUPPORT Unit Fraser Centre
- Linda Warner, Clinical Research Manager - BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute
REACH BC Ambassadors
The following groups and organizations have partnered with REACH BC to create awareness.
- Alzheimer's Society of BC
- BC SUPPORT Unit Regional Centres
- Clinical Trials BC
- Fraser Health
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Interior Health
- Island Health
- Northern Health
- Patient Voices Network
- Research Ethics BC
- University of Northern BC
- University of Victoria
- Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
History of REACH BC
Launched in May 2020, REACH BC addresses a significant challenge for many clinical trials and health research projects in British Columbia: namely, patient and participant recruitment. REACH BC was developed with joint input from health authorities and university partners and members of the community. Originally a multi-partner demonstration project of the BC SUPPORT Unit, development of REACH BC was funded and supported by the BC Academic Health Science Network, 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.
In 2021, REACH BC moved under the governance of the BC Academic Health Science Network, which later became the consolidated organization, Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Acknowledgments and Guiding Principles
As a provincial organization, our work extends across many Indigenous lands and territories throughout British Columbia. We acknowledge with respect and humility that our Vancouver offices are located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Discover how our organization is dedicated to upholding indigenous cultural safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion by visiting Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Are you a researcher?
REACH BC can help you connect with volunteers for your research studies.
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
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