Healthcare is a vital service in our community that contributes immensely to not just our individual health, but to our overall well-being and prosperity.   As your Mayor I have recently initiated a series of meetings with the local health authority to try and mold this sector into Port Alberni’s long-term vision and plans.
I believe there are a number of key pillars to our future economy, such as education, seniors, tourism and small business.  One economic pillar which some people neglect to recognize is healthcare. It is not just a service provider to our community.  The "health industry" is a provider of many jobs, in fact it is the main employer in our City, and is a magnet for our growth.
In the past our valley has often been painted -and perceived - in a negative light. But this is no longer true.  What is true is that we are a strong and growing community that will become a key part of the Vancouver Island economy and a major player in international trade and transportation for our nation.
What is also, unfortunately, true is that educational and health needs of the Alberni Valley have been neglected - for decades - in favour of the east coast communities of Vancouver Island. Witness the concentration of curriculum in Courtenay and Comox at North Island College; witness the new hospitals and additions of long term care facilities at Comox and Campbell River.  More on education another time, for now let's look at health.
We have a need for specific medical procedures to be added to our health services offered in Port Alberni.  We also have a need to develop a more community based healthcare model.  This has been expressed to me by numerous community members who struggle or have struggled with issues such as dementia placement, knees, hips, eyes, skin plastic procedures and also pre and post operation consultations.  It has also been brought to my attention by those who had difficulty with long-term care placement, and "day” procedures that are subsequently displaced because of log jams at our local hospital.
What can you do? Demand better health services in Port Alberni from your MLA and from Island Health.  Don't accept second best.   If you feel things could be better- speak up.  We can also all work together on developing programs and information to promote health and prevent illness - programs such as increasing the number of home and community care programs, encouraging and providing the opportunity to exercise, to eat well, and to quit smoking.  Programs such as these will help achieve the end goal of being able to afford improved medical options in our community.  Above all, healthcare is an opportunity for us to create services, to create educational opportunities, and to create career opportunities that can collectively make our City healthier, happier and more vibrant. Let us know how you feel we can do this by coming out to our "Coffee with the Mayor” sessions, coming to our Council Meetings, mailing in your ideas and suggestions, or dropping by City Hall.
Thank you
Mayor John Douglas