Central Albertans looking to have a voice about the province’s health-care system can become members of the David Thompson Health Advisory Council.
The council, which represents the area that includes Red Deer, Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House, Coronation and Drumheller, develops partnerships between communities and Alberta Health Services (AHS).
AHS executive director for community engagement Keith Donaghy said the David Thompson Health Advisory Council is one of 12 heath advisory councils across the province that requires volunteers to serve a three-year term.
The council needs one member, with the possibility that seven more spots will need to be filled at the end of the year when terms come up for renewal.
“We really look for people who are very interested in health care for whatever reason. They are people who have had positive experiences and negative experiences with health care and they might be concerned about any aspect of health care,” Donaghy said.
Responsibilities include corresponding between AHS and the public and providing feedback on what is working and suggesting areas of improvement that focus on services in Central Alberta.
The council meets six times annually at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
The council is chaired by Bruce Buruma, whose term expires on Dec. 31.
Those over the age of 18 who are interested in becoming a council member can complete an application through the AHS website before Sept. 5. Additional information is available at www.albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp or by calling 1-877-275-8830.