About
Introduction
The Students’ International Health Association (SIHA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 by Barbara Russel, a medical student at the University of Alberta. From its inception, SIHA’s projects have been based on the “Health for All” slogan promoted by the 1978 International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata. SIHA’s recent projects, both locally and internationally, have been structured around the goals of promoting primary health and increasing awareness about various health issues within the communities in which we work. In order to achieve these goals, education is the avenue through which SIHA has chosen to focus most of its efforts. By delivering local, grassroots seminars on disease prevention/basic care, distributing health provisions that aid in prevention of these ailments, and working closely with established community groups, SIHA aims to reduce the social and economic hardships presented by major global health threats.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of SIHA is to promote basic health at all levels, locally and internationally. We aim to affect real and sustainable progress in regards to the greatest health threats effecting both the developing and the developed world. Our other goals include:
- To demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of primary health care
- To demonstrate the universality of primary health care by developing sustainable projects locally, nationally and internationally
- To foster skills that are essential to health care organization and community building
- To provide valuable knowledge, skills and experience in international and community health care
- To establish relations with individuals and organizations committed to social change
Organization Structure
- SIHA is overseen by a Board of Governors, consisting of twelve total members, who meet quarterly to discuss the goals, objectives, plans and governance of the organization. These members consist of current SIHA Executive members (non-voting), University of Alberta faculty members, members from our partner organizations as well as SIHA alumni and members of the greater community. The primary role of the Board of Governors is to act as an advisory body, guiding the current executive in their positions and aiding them with the organizations' functioning.
- SIHA's general day-to-day happenings are decided by an executive committee comprised of eleven individuals with previous SIHA experience. The executive committee is primarily comprised of undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, truly showcasing the inter-disciplinary nature of global health and primary health care. In addition to the executive committee, SIHA has a wealth of past members who have decided to remain a part of the organization, acting as Officers or general volunteers.
- President - Amanda Sarrazin
- Vice President; Tanzania Projects - Lara Fainsinger
- Vice President; Alberta Projects - Lauren Paul
- Treasurer - Sarah Lim
- Curriculum Coordinator; Alberta Projects - Breana Lutz
- Volunteer Coordinator - Michael Martyna
- Fundraising Coordinator - Amir Mohajery
- Grants Coordinator - Katherine Kolasa
- Public Relations and Events Coordinator - Amber Gamma
- Secretary - Alanna Chomyn
- Project Manager - Jonathan Marcotte
- Project Manager - Maria Miranda-Cordero
- Officer - Kristyn Berry
- Officer - Rachael Hemmons
- Officer - Koto Andersen
- Officer - Kristyn Berry
Charitable registration #89256 1846 RR0001 identifies the Students International Health Association (SIHA) as a registered charity under Canadian law. For more information about charitable receipts or SIHA please contact us directly by phone or email.
