Each year, essential workers across Alberta are recognized during Rural Health Week for the tireless job they do to help people in dire straits.
The Smoky River Regional Healthcare Professional Attraction and Retention Committee hosts a sponsored coffee break for the healthcare providers and employees in the Smoky River Region.
“This year’s theme for the Rural Health Appreciation event was Beads of Appreciation,” says committee coordinator Myrna Lanctot.
“Each attendee received a beaded bracelet featuring a small tag. One side of the tag read: Thank you Beads of Appreciation, while the opposite side said A little something for someone special. Every bracelet included a unique stone, chosen to symbolize the individual strengths and contributions of our rural healthcare providers.”
Lanctot says whether working in hospitals or clinics, every role contributes to ensuring healthcare remains viable and accessible to all.
“As part of the celebration, staff were also treated to a coffee break reception at the hospital, which included a selection of snacks, light food items, and beverages as a gesture of gratitude for their ongoing dedication to the community,” says Lanctot.
“Rural Health Week is a great way to show our appreciation for all healthcare supported employees in the medical facilities in our area,” she adds.
Healthcare professionals and support staff in the Sacred Heart Hospital and Falher Medical Clinic were given the coffee break in recognition of their work. McLennan Medical Clinic will have their celebration at a later date.
Each year, Rural Health Week is held last week of May or beginning of June. This year’s Coffee Break was held on May 26.
If readers are so inclined, Lanctot reminds them to thank the next health care professional who helps them when at a medical facility. She says it is important to reflect and pay gratitude to those who are spending their time ensuring we are able to overcome illnesses and other medical woes.
The event was partially funded by Rural Health Professions Action Plan.
Lanctot says they also had two hospital door prizes that were generously donated by UFA and Pharmasave in Falher.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
