Navigating Health Care Together: Empowering Kootenay Boundary Communities

The Kootenay Boundary Patient Advisory Committee & Community (PACC) has launched a campaign titled "Empowering the Citizen Patient," aimed at enhancing community engagement and patient involvement in health care amidst challenges such as a shortage of family practitioners.

The initiative features informative articles, starting with a piece that offers an interactive infographic on navigating the health care system and a compilation of resources for patient support. Future articles will discuss health conditions, mental health, and tips for medical appointments.

PACC seeks to amplify patient voices and foster collaborative efforts for health system improvement in the Kootenay Boundary region.

QUOTES FROM KOOTENAY BOUNDARY RESIDENTS:
“Reading this article is a way for people to get information to ensure that their health care needs are being met,” says Sandi McCreight, resident of Castlegar BC and local seniors advocate and educator.  “We need to take charge of this ourselves.  Knowledge is power.  Once you start reading this information, it leads to more  learning. I would encourage people to follow this series and learn as much as they can.”

Madeleine Perriere, resident of Slocan says, ” With the knowledge of how the medical system works, we have a better chance to understand and even get involved in improving our health system. This article is clear and informative for us to navigate according to our needs.”

“As a Kootenay Boundary resident, understanding the health care system felt like trying to decode a complex puzzle,” says Arlene Parkinson, resident of Warfield, BC. “Although I have been extremely lucky to have a family doctor, many others are struggling in their quest for consistent health care. This article, especially the visual infographic, will help to give more clarity. It’s empowering to know how the system works, and with that knowledge, I feel more confident making informed decisions about my health and that of my community.”

WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT: Healthy People, Healthy Communities - What’s Happening in Health Care? to view the first article, infographic and sign up to receive each article as they are published.

ABOUT PACC:
The Kootenay Boundary Patient Advisory Committee & Community (PACC) is a group of local residents working together as volunteers to bring patient perspectives on important issues to health care providers & policymakers in our region. The PACC works in collaboration with health care partners to help shape improvements that strengthen patient- & family-centred care in our region.