Alberta Health Services, Blue Cross and the United Way have partnered to create an online resource for Alberta seniors to easily find help and support during the CVOID-19 pandemic.

The online hub will be launching soon. It’s called CORE, short for ‘Collaborative Online Resources and Education’, and will coordinate community services for older Albertans beyond the pandemic as well.

The Province says CORE will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services for seniors, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports.

“We are using this technology to better serve Alberta seniors. Older individuals are among those most at risk for COVID-19,” said Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing. “We believe the online knowledge hub will enhance the way organizations support seniors during the pandemic, and help keep them safe as we move forward with our relaunch plans.”

It will allow seniors to access training, information and resources, map where the greatest needs are across the province, and help seniors in more remote locations get the support they need.

“In the midst of the pandemic and public health measures such as social distancing, helping our seniors maintain connections to health care and community resources is critical,” said Mark Komlenic, president and CEO of Alberta Blue Cross. “As an organization that interacts with over 640,000 Alberta seniors, Alberta Blue Cross is so pleased to be supporting this initiative.”

According to officials, it cost $40,000 to develop. The Alberta government and partners will invest about $720,000 in inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE.