As we welcome Phoebe Lazier into the BC Rural Health Network as a new member and volunteer, we’re also taking a moment to celebrate her outstanding contributions as our Community Engagement Lead over the past two years. Phoebe’s departure from her formal role marks not an end, but a new chapter in her passionate journey advocating for mental health and equity in rural healthcare.
Rooted in Rural
Phoebe was born and raised in Nelson, BC, an experience that deeply shaped her values and perspective on healthcare. Growing up in a community with relatively strong access to care, she developed early awareness of the disparities that exist across other rural regions. Her academic path took her to Kelowna, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UBCO, driven by a desire to understand mental health more deeply and inspired by both personal experience and an impactful high school teacher.
Bridging Communities Through Engagement
Phoebe joined the Network with a strong sense of purpose. Her lived experience in rural BC, combined with her insight into the systemic challenges faced by underserved communities, fueled her work. As Community Engagement Lead, she connected with individuals and groups across the province, amplifying voices, highlighting gaps, and fostering collaboration. Her outreach revealed a recurring truth: community-led efforts and relationships are the backbone of sustainable rural healthcare.
From emergency room closures and primary care shortages to the often-overlooked gaps in maternity services and youth mental health access, Phoebe’s work uncovered critical stories and unmet needs. She listened, reflected, and brought people together to envision better systems.
Eyes on the Future
Now based in Merritt, Phoebe is taking her next step by pursuing a Master’s in Psychology, with a focus on youth mental health. It’s a natural evolution of her career and character. “No matter where I move, that gap in mental health care is there,” she says. “I want to be part of closing it.”
Her admiration for programs like Foundry and Options for Sexual Health reflects her commitment to wraparound care models that prioritize accessibility, safety, and community presence. She also draws inspiration from Nelson’s Community First Health Co-op and its collaborative health centre approach, which exemplifies the power of community engagement in shaping health outcomes.
Phoebe’s Rural Vision
Phoebe believes that effective primary care is about more than just physicians, it’s about holistic, team-based models that recognize the whole person. If given a magic wand, she’d expand outreach for the unhoused, improve inter-community transportation, and ensure continuity of care for rural residents across their lifespan.
And in ten years? She hopes to be back in Nelson, raising a family, working with youth, and growing roots in the same kind of community that helped shape her. “I’d love to age in a rural community and play pickleball forever,” she laughs, reminding us that health and happiness are intertwined at every stage of life!
Gratitude and Next Steps
Phoebe’s work has made a lasting impact on our network and the communities we serve. Her empathy, energy, and dedication have set a high standard, and we’re thrilled that she’ll continue to be part of our mission as a member and volunteer.
Thank you, Phoebe, for everything you’ve brought to the table. Your voice, heart, and vision will continue to move this work forward in meaningful ways. Congratulations on your engagement and your next chapter, the future is bright in the hands of leaders like you!
See more members of the month here
