Student leader champions the value of community health boards

Liah Christie tackled issues such as housing, food insecurity and poverty during her Saint Mary’s University undergraduate years while working alongside Halifax Community Health Board members advocating for community well-being.

“Through my time on the community health board, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with empathy, build trust with community partners, and amplify voices that often go unheard,” Liah says.

 A resident of Halifax, Liah’s bound for British Columbia this fall where she’s studying for her master’s in chemistry at the University of Victoria. Earlier this year, she graduated with a bachelor of science with honours in the same field.

At the time of the interview, she hadn’t cemented her future career plans but feels medical research may be her destiny. An occupation in healthcare? Almost certain.

“I've always been, I guess, like a science person,” she explains. “I have an interest and passion around the intersection of healthcare and community.”

Liah, whose parents have professional backgrounds in registered nursing and as a physician, served as both a member and co-chair of the Halifax Community Health Board since joining in 2023. She appreciated health board-supported efforts addressing key social determinants of health.

“It's been a privilege to help shape wellness initiatives and fund grassroots projects that reflect real, local priorities in my community,” she says, encouraging students motivated about health equity issues to get involved with a community health board where they live.

“It’s really great for any student that wants to learn leadership roles, wants to learn how to, you know, work in a team setting,” Liah points out. “It’s also a great chance for professional or personal development and making community connections in relation to very important issues.”

During her time with the community health board, Liah experienced a deep sense of connection at home and the strength associated with the bonds formed in the urban area where she spent her formative years.

“From discussions, you hear the context - the challenges people face and suggestions of what can be done differently,” she adds. “Boards do a lot and, with those wellness funds, we can see the difference we’re making with non-profits and their programs.”

Health encompasses such a vast range of factors and that’s why community-based advocacy groups, like health boards are essential, Liah suggests.

Given the ongoing challenges involving addressing vulnerabilities within the healthcare system, Liah is adamant it’s more important than ever to advocate for the broader issues that impact health outcomes.

“Having open conversations about the issues that affect our community has always felt natural and I feel really fortunate to have had the drive to get involved myself,” she says.

“It’s been a huge deal, in my opinion, to be part of a receptive board and have insight into these issues.”

Photo of Liah Christie, who enjoyed her time as a member of the Halifax Community Health Board.