By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver has joined the BC Rural Health Network in hopes to increase the voice of residents seeking better health care.
Council approved spending $50 for the membership fee at its Oct. 11 meeting where Network administrator Paul Adams made a presentation.
The Network is a collective of health advocacy groups to improve access to health care services in rural BC.
Adams said part of their purpose is to advocate for policy changes that provide all rural residents with attachment to a health care practitioner. Other goals include recommending solutions, improving access to mental health services, and sharing strategies.
Adams said the BC health care system is in a state of “crisis,” therefore a stronger voice is needed to change that. He mentioned that he has seen the impacts that the crisis is having on South Okanagan General Hospital.
He pointed out that the Network is apolitical and a registered charity.
Adams told council how the Network is conducting a membership drive to attract municipalities, noting the count is 11 right now.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen wanted to know what strategies the Network is coming up with to get their voices heard by the province’s decision-makers.
Adams said they actively engage with the Ministry of Health and work closely with agencies such as Interior Health.
Councillor Aimee Grice said any angle they can attack the health care crisis from is valuable.
Fellow Coun. Petra Veintimilla agreed, saying $50 is a reasonable amount to spend for this kind of membership.
