From the UBCM Votes to Playbooks – A Tale of Progress.
Last week was a whirlwind of breakthroughs, interactions, and solidifications of commitments to rural British Columbia. Not only did the BC Rural Health Network engage in pivotal conversations with political figureheads, but our engagement with the Saunders Family Foundation brought forth a new opportunity to create better health for all of BC.
Saunders Family Foundation: A Pillar of Support
Our collaboration with the Saunders Family Foundation has just begun. Their commitment to the cause is seen in their comprehensive Playbook, an essential guide highlighting their methodology, insights, and strategies for rural upliftment and the improvement in community driven approaches to healthcare. A guide to assist communities in developing better models of care will help rural and remote communities in BC. This project is still in development and we will provide more details soon! The CTV Island news recently featured the Saunders Foundation work and the BC Rural Health Networks interest in moving the playbook forward. Creating meaningful resources for communities across the province is so needed! Read and watch that segment here.
Face-to-Face with Decision Makers
Our dedication to rural BC was evident in the personal meetings our delegates had with all key leaders at UBCM. These invaluable interactions with political entities have seeded a foundation for future collaborations and promising prospects for our communities. Colin Moss (VP and Councilor with the Village of New Denver) and Leonard Casley (Director and Mayor of the Village of New Denver) were in attendance and serving both their community and rural health well in their representation of solutions. We truly appreciate the work they do for the BC Rural Health Network and for their dedication to improving rural health in the Province. Colin and Leonard met with Minister Dix, Shirley Bond, Sonia Furstenau and John Rustad and found common concern and even alignment on the need to improve the system for rural BC! In addition to Provincial leaders they also met with a wide array of community leaders and promoted better rural health and the Network. The Challenges and Solutions document driven from our community engagements was also distributed broadly.
In addition, we were delighted to see Jude Kornelsen at UBCM representing the Centre for Rural Health Research at UBC. Jude was also promoting the Gap Analysis Survey and engaging leaders for research interviews. Jude is our Implementation Committee Chair and has been instrumental in providing data and research on critical rural health matters. Jude is steadfast in her determination to improve the healthcare system in BC. Her belief in a community focus on healthcare policy and planning will ensure we build better team based and holistic models of care. We thank Jude for her research and support, it makes a difference daily!
Colin Moss (VP of the BCRHN) and Jude Kornelsen (Chair BCRHN Implementation Committee)
UBCM was also fortunate enough to have Valerie St John and the BC Association of Community Health Centres (BCACHC) in attendance and speaking to building community centric models of care that work! We believe her talk sparked great interest in the CHC model and many are just learning the benefits. The BCRHN is strong believer in the true Community Health Centre model as being the model needed across our Province. It is through the creation of stronger team environments that our health professionals will be both attracted and retained.
Unanimity at UNBC
The unwavering stance of UBCM delegates saw a 100% vote for enhancing rural and remote health care. Such a unanimous decision speaks volumes about our collective vision for improved health care facilities in our regions. Check out more details of the resolution here.
Premiere’s Leap for Rural Wellbeing
The Premiere unveiled an initiative aimed at uplifting the broader sphere of rural wellbeing. With investments flowing into diverse rural projects, we are optimistic about what the future holds. Learn more about the initiative.
The President of the BC Rural Health Network Peggy Skelton – “We recognize and value the premier’s foresight in appointing a parliamentary secretary for rural health. This role, in our view, is not only essential, but warrants permanency within the B.C. government structure. Having direct communication channels with the parliamentary secretary provides a much-needed bridge for rural engagement and a means for more effective dialogue with the Ministry of Health and government as a whole. Such rural-centric endeavors enhance the well-being of our communities and, by extension, enrich the lives of all British Columbians.”
Hope Air’s Soaring Efforts
With fresh funding coming into the realm of travel assistance (included in the above announcement is $20 million for travel assistance for oncology patients!), Hope Air is set to enhance its vital services. Our collaboration with Hope Air is a testament to our shared vision of providing necessary travel accommodations for all who need it. The investment today is a step towards equity in access to care that is our right as insured residents in BC.
Mark Rubinstein, chief hope officer, Hope Air – “This new funding will enable Hope Air to support more cancer patients in need with free airline, accommodation, meals and transportation programs. Our services will also support escorts travelling with patients to assist in their medical journey. We commend the government of British Columbia for this extraordinary commitment to assist cancer patients in need when travelling long distance to reach care.”
Paul Adams, executive director, BC Rural Health Network – “The BC Rural Health Network acknowledges and appreciates all investments in rural health and well-being. The benefits of travel assistance programs, especially in partnership with esteemed organizations like Hope Air and the Canadian Cancer Society, are clear. Their efforts in offering personal aid and travel accommodations for patients and their families are not only transformative but also a beacon of hope. Funding such initiatives edges us closer to a more equitable health-care landscape for every resident.”
Last Call for Survey Inputs
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 650 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.
To conclude, our joint endeavors with partners like the Saunders Family Foundation and the collective voices of our community are shaping a promising horizon for rural British Columbia. Let’s keep the momentum alive and work together towards a prosperous, connected community.
