WESTLOCK – The Tamarack Health Advisory Council (HAC), a committee that works as a voice for the community, is on the hunt for new members
The council, which spans a significant area that includes Westlock and Barrhead, consists of 15 volunteer members that act as a bridge between the Alberta Health Services (AHS) and communities but has seen a drop in membership numbers, opening the council up for the recruitment of three to four new members.
AHS executive director of community engagement Janine Sakatch says they are looking for anyone who has a strong sense of community engagement and volunteerism to join the team.
“Healthcare impacts everyone so we’re looking for people who are really community minded and support improvement,” said Sakatch. “We are anxious to get some new membership.”
Sakatch says they have seen a dip of volunteers across the province due to the pandemic. Because they are unable to meet in person, she says they have had difficulty creating the same sense connection within councils which has made it difficult to bring in new volunteers.
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to volunteer for the position and no prior experience in healthcare is required. Sakatch says that an ideal volunteer would one who looks at the “big picture perspective” and keeps an open mind to new ideas.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tamarack HAC has been meeting virtually and working alongside AHS to run workshops where medical professionals provide information regarding the virus and answer any questions.
Sakatch says this is just one of their many roles to support the community.
“We’re looking for people who have an interest in healthcare and want to improve the healthcare system for their community and all of Alberta,” she added.
She says that HAC’s play a key role in helping communicate information between AHS and communities by both sharing information by AHS and informing AHS of concerns from residents in the communities.
Health advisory councils were first founded in 2009 and have since grown alongside the AHS for over a decade.
“If we are rolling out something new in the community or making a change, we will come to them first to get their input and advice,” said Sakatch. “They also provide a role in communicating with their community and engaging with the community.”
Twelve health councils with 15 members each are located across the province alongside four provincial councils for seniors and continuing care, cancer care, addictions and mental health, and sexual orientation and gender identity. There is also one provincial wisdom council with indigenous members.
Those interested in volunteering on the Tamarack HAC can contact [email protected].
