Younger gen need to bring health care ideas

The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation is encouraging residents to take part in health care meetings this September to help shape health services on the Coast. In order to get feed back that reflects the opinions of a cross section of the people living in the region, they are hoping to get a good variety of people out to discuss what matters to them about health services, says Foundation Executive Director Sandra Cunningham.

“While the government is aware of one or two burning issues, they can’t do everything, so residents need to bring their concerns forward,” Cunningham noted.

The meetings can help bring better coverage of health concerns for the area if a variety of people bring their opinions to the attention of the health authorities, she explained.

“Young people have to show up for their voices to be heard on health care issues (for the Coast),” Cunningham emphasized, “otherwise the Baby Boomers like me, and seniors will be the majority of opinions at the table.”

A My Health, My Community survey of 1000 responses from the region gave the Foundation some good feedback, but there are issues that deserve community discussion, Cunningham said.

Community input is critical to steering the health care direction of our region, and getting more of the younger generation involved will make a difference for their services for the future, she notes.

People on the Coast have several opportunities to come to round table talks in the communities of the Regional District, Sechelt and Gibsons.

Meeting schedule:
Sechelt – September 11, 7 pm at Royal Canadian Legion in Sechelt
Pender Harbour, (for Regional District residents) September 17, 7 pm at Royal Canadian Legion, Pender.
Gibsons – September 18, 7pm at Royal Canadian Legion in Gibsons

A wrap-up meeting will be held on Thursday October 16 7pm at the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club to present the findings for the entire Coast. People also can get information on what services can and can’t offer.

Apryl Veld