Author and Journalist
Commenting at the outset of our conversation that all people share the same health services in this area, Foundation Chair Dave Smith also acknowledged the dreadful sadness recently revealed by the unmarked children’s graves discovered at the Kamloops Residential School site, as well as that we are thankful to live and work within the traditional lands of the Secwepemc First Nation.
For nearly 25 years, since 1997 when it was registered as a non-profit federal charity, the Chase & District Health Services Foundation (CDHSF) has been serving the community and region in significant and crucial ways.
“Our volunteer Board of Directors, teaming up with numerous other locals, have accomplished amazing things,” reports Smith. “Having a common goal gets things done.” In addition to Dave Smith, Board members currently are Dr. Cornel Barnard, Ellen Bovair-Jasman, Zoey Bradshaw, Janine Joelson, Len McLean, Rollie Mockford, Sue Murray, Diane Tarry, Chris Welch, Megan Stratikopoul, and Mayor Rod Crowe.
Foundation Director Dr. Barnard is pleased to have assisted with advising on medical needs at the Chase clinic, as well as equipment selection. “The items the Foundation has acquired form important parts of the whole when it comes to health services,” he says. “Patients benefit and staff benefit.”
“And it’s essential that small communities have an advocate to speak on their behalf, to have their voice heard, in dealing with authorities,” he goes on. “Otherwise, it can be easy to get lost amongst the many centres seeking help.”
From 2006 to date, the Foundation has funded over $313,000 in projects important to the health and care of local residents. “Fundraising, donations, provincial support, and memorial bequests are our main sources of capital,” says Smith. “As well, service clubs and the Legion have contributed generously over the years. In 2007, the Lions Club and the Legion funded Chase’s senior services bus at a cost of $92,000.”
An essential piece of modern technological equipment was recently acquired thanks to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 107 and its annual citizen-supported Poppy Fund—a Stryker Frame Digital Weight Stretcher, valued at $10,000, which facilitates monitoring of vitals by Emergency staff as soon as a patient leaves an ambulance.
Another wish list item that’s been purchased is the “Space Lab,” technological equipment that allows medical personnel to connect virtually and directly with Kelowna health specialists, such as heart and respiratory physicians.
From equipment such as a low-cost infant measuring mat to temporal thermometers, a stretcher lift bed, a bariatric wheelchair and a $46,900 portable ultrasound machine, the Foundation continues to help provide apparatus and instruments vital to community health services.
With the support and advocacy of CDHSF, new x-ray equipment, at a cost of nearly $1 million, was installed at the Chase clinic, funded by the Interior Health Authority.
Currently, the Foundation’s priority list comprises a Lucas Automatic chest compression CPR system ($21,000), a portable Oximeter that measures oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood ($1,600 – $4,000), and a reclining IV therapy chair ($1,600). Over the next two to three years, plans are to procure a bladder scanner ($18,000) and a vein finder ($17,000).
In addition to the foregoing, a major goal of the CDHSF is to see the construction of a full care seniors’ facility within Chase. “Moving elders to long term care in a distant community results in negative financial and emotional impacts on all those involved,” reports Smith, “and in Chase, this happens more than two dozen times annually, which means spouses cannot see and visit with their husband or wife, without involving extensive travel, a vehicle, and expense.”
The Foundation is in negotiations and discussions with the Village, the Interior Health Authority, and the Province about what has now become essential to comprehensive care in the area. Smith reports that there is multi-lateral support for a long term care facility in Chase, which could also house multiple and varied medical services. It is anticipated that this vital resource will be in place within the next few years.
Started as a pilot project here, Community Paramedicine currently provides essential services to seniors through home visitations providing health and medication check-ups. As well, Better at Home, a Shuswap programme funded by the United Way and the province, offers yard work, minor home maintenance, as well as meals, all of which help the elderly remain in their own home.
Another significant initiative is the Community Kitchen, capably and enthusiastically overseen by members of the Chase Hamper Society / Food Bank providing nutritious meals to residents, this community kitchen partnership have become a reality. With the cessation of COVID restrictions, it’s expected that the number of individuals requesting this service will increase considerably.
“Chase is indeed fortunate to have so many community-minded individuals living here and contributing their assistance to worthwhile endeavours,” says Smith. “As well, MLA Todd Stone is in regular contact with the Foundation, meets and works with people, and is very supportive.”
Another project that’s being investigated by the Foundation involves Willson Park in Chase. “We’d like to see that particular green space being used more in the future,” states Smith. “It may be a good spot for new benches, exercise equipment, a Story Book Trail programme, and community events. We hope to make a fall submission to the Village, taking into consideration the irrigation system in the park as well as nearby neighbourhood properties.”
And hence, as peoples age here, they will most certainly benefit from the stalwart and conscientious efforts of the Chase & District Health Services Foundation and its volunteers—a group that cares, a group that is working on behalf of our citizens in so many ways. “Thank you” doesn’t seem enough said.
