What does AHS mean to me?

My name is Celine Li. I work in 43 Michener Bend, Red Deer as an Administrative Support IV. I am from China.

I moved to Red Deer from Montreal in February 2014. I applied for Alberta Health Card after a week. Then I received a letter stamped with “Confidential” from AHS right after that. I was invited to do a cervical screening. I was really shocked that I was provided health care services without any request at all. When I lived in Quebec for 3 years, I never had received this service. AHS, at that time, means care, respect, and dignity to me.

In April 2014, I was hired by AHS as a casual employee. That was my first job in Canada after I had landed in this country for 4 years. With tears in my eyes, I was able to connect health care with my job. In that summer, my daughter got a minor day surgery in Calgary Children Hospital. We were provided excellent services. The doctor and all staff comforted us kindly and my daughter recovered so fast and smoothly. AHS, at that time, means hope, love, peace of mind for me and my family.

In January 2015, I was transferred to a permanent employee. My husband was laid off right after this big transition. I’ve been almost the only person to feed my children and family for these years. Now, AHS to me, is not only a job, but also the life. I do know job is one part of life, not the whole life; however, for me it is the whole for my life because there is no job, no life, not mention to work and life balance. I love my job, and I am proud to work with AHS.