| Recently, the BC Rural Health Network has been very busy, growing rapidly and making tangible change in equitable access to rural health care. All of this would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors and their commitment to rural healthcare improvement. This month, we would like to highlight the hard work of one of our long-standing and valued board members: Dave Smith. Dave joins the BC Rural Health Network from Chase, BC. He is a multifaceted individual with a rich background in arts, broadcasting, and community service.  |
| Graduating from Prince Charles Secondary School in Creston, he pursued his passion for theatre at the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre Program on a scholarship. Dave’s education continued with writing courses at Douglas College, broadcasting studies at the Columbia School of Broadcasting, courses in video production, equestrian studies, farm management, stream restoration and habitat enhancement and more. Dave’s work experience is diverse and ongoing with time spent at the Ministry of Mental Health working on their BCBoarding Home Program as an Activity Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator and the Ministry of Agriculture as an Equine Member Director. Additionally, he has contributed to cultural enrichment through television appearances and a lengthy career in community television. Dave has a long-standing ecological connection. He has worked in Salmon enhancement and sat on the Salmon Enhancement Habitat Advisory Board for 15 years as their provincial and national director. Dave is also deeply rooted in BC’s equestrian world. He has been the co-founder and chair of The Haney Horseman Association for over 38 years. For his work, he was awarded a Queen’s medal and was part of the Trans Canada Trail Team. Dave’s work in trail building with the has had a massive positive impact on the health and wellbeing of several communities in the Lower Mainland including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Dave was part of the planning and building of many of the expansive multi-use trail networks in the area. These trails are accessible to all and promote getting outside and exercising! Beyond his professional endeavours, Dave has demonstrated an extensive commitment to community service and volunteering including spending 6 years with the Chase Community Services Society, six years as the Vice President and Director for the Adams River Salmon Society, and an ongoing commitment to the BC Rural Health Network as a valued board member for the past five years. Dave and his wife have dedicated over a decade to caregiving, inspiring his advocacy for long-term care facilities in his community after a promise he made to his wife’s aunt to do everything he can to bring a full-care facility to Chase. Dave’s welcoming attitude and friendly smile is just the start of why we value him so much at the Network. His insights and perspectives into all areas of rural health foster rich discussion at our meetings. Thank you for your passion and service, Dave! |
| See more members of the month here |
Merritt mayor optimistic for end to persistent ER closures with new health minister in place
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz (Image Credit – CFJC Today) Dec 23, 2024 | 4:14 PM CFJC Today Victor Kaisar MERRITT — The Mayor of Merritt
