An innovative idea for expanding health and social services has a name—the Lake Country Health Hub.
Now the Lake Country Health Planning Society in partnership with the District of Lake Country wants to work with community stakeholders and volunteers to create a working model for the new local health care and social wellness concept.
The inspiration for action for the health hub comes from Lake Country’s status as the fastest growing community in B.C., and the concern that the demand for health and wellness services will exceed available resources.
Discussion over the past two years among local residents and representatives of 46 organizations came to the conclusion the health hub concept was the ideal health service solution for the community.
“We know that residents want more family doctors, and thankfully Lake Country has recently acquired additional physicians,” said Brenda Kalinovich, executive director with Lake Country Health Planning Society.
“The health hub would bring together not-for-profit organizations, the Interior Health Authority, government and social and health service providers to offer coordinated, multi-disciplinary support, care and education in one location.
“By increasing access to physical, mental and social services focused on health promotion and illness prevention, the health hub would aim to build a healthier community.”
Devon Wolfe is an elementary school counselor in Lake Country with School District 23 and a member of the health hub working committee.
“There is more awareness of the need everywhere for family focused mental health and wellness services in support of parents, so child behavior and youth lifestyle choices can be addressed,” Wolfe explained.
“I hope all parents complete the health hub survey, so we have a clear indication of the wellness needs among families raising children in Lake Country.”
The survey results will be used to prioritize hub services and partners, and will assist in acquiring funding to move forward.
The survey can be found on-line at www.lakecountryhealth.ca or you can call the Lake Country Health Planning Society at 778-215-4257 for a paper copy.