Challenges and solutions heard from across the province
In the rural expanses of British Columbia, far from the metropolitan venue of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) event in Vancouver, many pressing healthcare concerns continue. This year’s UBCM event brings many of our community members and champions together where they can bring a strong voice for change forward to our provincial leaders.
The BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN) stands out not as the sole voice of change, but as a magnifier, amplifying the cries and concerns of those they serve. Central to this mission is community engagement. “Engaging with communities, we’ve unearthed a unanimous call: the need for deeper community integration and a more holistic approach to health,” says Paul Adams, Executive Director.
And it’s not a plea falling on deaf ears. Organizations, municipalities, regional districts, diverse communities, and residents have been raising their concerns and joining the BCRHN. “The narrative isn’t ours alone,” Peggy Skelton, President of the Network, clarifies. “It’s informed voices from across rural BC, asking for recognition, support, and a seat at the decision-making table regarding their health.”
Peggy Skelton, BCRHN President, East Shore
Carrying the collective hopes and concerns of rural communities to the UBCM is Vice President Colin Moss. Beside him, Leonard Casley, Director of the BCRHN and Mayor of New Denver, will echo the aspirations of many. New Denver stands as a testament to the problems rural populations face with community engagement. Moss emphasizes, “When rural BC speaks of healthcare, they’re voicing a need for cohesion, for community-led solutions, and for every resident to be an active participant in shaping their health future.” He concluded that “My community is like many others in BC, frustrated with the lack of action and continual under provision of services. The time has come to collect our voices pan-provincially and create new models to solve rural health problems. Solutions come from within the communities who understand the local population and their needs.”
Colin Moss BCRHN VP and Village of New Denver Council Member
The BCRHN’s role in the UBCM event isn’t about representation it’s about driving forward the changes that communities across BC have been clamoring for. A document entitled “Challenges and Solutions” is a compilation of some recent insights from various communities, to shed light on the real needs of rural residents in BC. “This list is just some of the items that we are discussing with our members and the public. Our full position papers and research activities are driven by these conversations and can create meaningful input to inform new healthcare policies that reflect the actual needs of rural BC. These are the voices of the people and communities we serve. We need to use those voices to not only create new policy but to also spread good information through our network.” Said Adams.
We will continue to explore the depth and diversity of these community voices. Further reports will follow.
Read the Challenges and Solutions document here.
We have had an outstanding response to our Gap Analysis Survey which seeks the voices of rural residents throughout BC. This important survey has garnered over 600 responses and remains open until the 29th of September, your voice counts and if you have already completed this survey, thank you and please ask others to do so. Click here to learn more and complete the survey.
