FLOODS 2013: To all Albertans, AHS staff, first responders and partner providers Thank you! YOU HELPED BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERYONE IN THE WORST OF SITUATIONS: PAGES 3-6

CENTRAL Zone NEWS Zone Your Health Care in Your Community 2013 AUGUST

the s“taff and physicians ... who pulled together to co-ordinate the evacuation demonstrated true team effort — Barb Frere, Health Services Area Director for Kneehill, Starland and Special Area 2 Home safe Wayna McPhee, front, long-term care resident at the Health Centre, is welcomed home by, from Adam Eisenbarth photo | left, volunteer Brenda Jones, and staff members Debbie Briese and Kim Moar, after being relocated due to the Photo by Barb Frere | threat of flooding. PAGEs 3-6 coming together in times of crisis f there is one thing we know in health care, it is McMurray and surrounding areas. Our people worked that an emergency, a crisis, or even a disaster can DR. CHRIS EAGLE closely with the municipality to ensure residents Ihappen anywhere, at any time. had the information they needed and, as we’ve Although we were focused on the devastating President and CEO seen during the floods, our colleagues ignored their flooding in the south during June and July, we know personal situations to come to work and help others. that tomorrow we could be dealing with a similar colleagues doing what they do best, acting selflessly We saw it during the H1N1 pandemic, when we situation somewhere else in Alberta. It could be a to help others, doing whatever it takes to ensure vaccinated one million Albertans against the virus in wildfire; a multi-vehicle collision; a tornado; or, it could people remain safe. just under six weeks. As a still-new organization, AHS be an infectious illness in a seniors’ lodge. We saw it in , when wildfires tore through staff and physicians mobilized as a team to organize Fortunately, we know how to respond. As an that northern community just two years ago. Within and execute a large-scale vaccination effort across organization – from those on the frontlines, to those hours, our people had evacuated the entire Slave the province. That team effort protected thousands running emergency operations centres – we are good Lake Healthcare Centre without a single injury. The from the virus, making our communities safer. at this. We know what needs to be done, when it last staff member left as flames licked at the hospital’s And we also see it almost every day, in our needs to be done, and how to get it done. back door. Then, with the fire extinguished, our emergency departments, when people faced with We saw great examples of that when floodwaters northern colleagues played a critical role in getting the their own personal crisis get the help, care and began to rise across southern Alberta. We sprang into community back on its feet. attention they need from our dedicated emergency action and did what we could to ensure the safety of We saw it this past winter, when more than 100 physicians, nurses and staff. our patients and residents, to look after those people vehicles collided during white-out conditions on the Another thing we are good at is learning from these who need help the most, to protect our infrastructure, Queen Elizabeth II highway south of . EMS experiences, and we get better at responding to and to look after one another. staff attended to patients vehicle by vehicle. Local them, because we look back at what happened and I have said this many times – I am incredibly hospital staff and physicians were on standby to at how we can improve. proud of what our people achieved before and respond to crash victims as needed. The response Because, in the end, it’s about knowing Albertans during this disaster. I have witnessed some of that was fast, effective and a credit to those involved. can feel safe in the knowledge that we will look after work firsthand, and I will never forget what I saw – We saw it this spring, when floodwaters hit Fort them in a crisis; that we will be there. n PAGE 2 i n y o u r z o n e arthritis program changing lives Story by Heather Kipling | could reduce hundreds of pounds of wear to Photo by Adam Eisenbarth | their joints by using a cane or walker. Those people see that are little things people can do to manage their iving with a chronic health condition like they can manage arthritis pain,” says Hoar. “We also look at energy arthritis can present many challenges. their arthritis management and how, when you have a chronic LWhile arthritis isn’t a life sentence, the pain, effectively so it condition, there are ways to conserve your swelling and stiffness it can bring to a person’s “ energy and use it wisely. We only have so much body can be life-changing. isn’t compromising energy in our banks, so we get clients to look Adjusting to that change isn’t always easy. their quality closely at how they want to spend that energy.” Fortunately, there are programs like the Arthritis of life Sessions also teach the importance of proper Education and Pool Program in Red Deer that footwear, which includes examining a selection can help. Facilitated by both a physical therapist — Occupational therapist Carla Falk, on of appropriate shoes. Diet and nutrition are also and an cccupational therapist, the program the success of the Arthritis Education discussed, as is stress management, and the provides a multidisciplinary approach to help and Pool Program in Red Deer power of positive thinking and hope. patients manage their arthritis in order to live life Additional health care professionals, including to the fullest. pharmacists, dietitians and mental health “The program is open to anyone with complex arthritis is and what it does to the joints and counsellors are also involved, because, as Falk arthritis which is strongly impacting their quality structures of the body. says, “managing a chronic illness like severe of life,” says physical therapist Barb Hoar, who “We want our clients to go away from their arthritis really does require multidisciplinary was instrumental in establishing the program in time with us with a good toolkit of information, management.” . strategies, and ideas to better help them in their The therapy pool is used for exercises to build “There was nothing like this program own quests for wellness.” muscle strength and range of motion. Other here. People say they have gained so much Classes are held two mornings a week for exercise options include tai chi and yoga. knowledge from the classes that it helps them six weeks with concurrent sessions running And, while the program provides a wealth of understand their arthritis better, or that they are September to June. Classes involve education knowledge and support, it also creates bonds seeing a change, an improvement. By the end, plus exercising with the physical therapist in the and connections among participants. we hear them say they are better equipped to therapeutic pool at Red Deer Regional Hospital “They’re able to bond with people in similar manage their condition, which is the goal.” Centre. situations and it lets them know they aren’t Arthritis is a chronic disorder that can affect “Prior to Week One of the program, we alone,” says Hoar, a sentiment that Falk echoes. one in seven Canadians. Many people are most complete a one-on-one assessment with clients “Some of those bonds are long-lasting. We’ve familiar with arthritis in the joints and the pain, to establish baselines on areas such as walking had past clients start their own pool groups in swelling and stiffness it can bring. However, there performance, their balance and activities of daily the community, which is a great example of self- are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, living,” says Hoar. “At the end of the program, management. It can be an amazing experience occurring in muscles, the eyes, skin and in major we reassess to show the improvements and for participants.” organs. benefits, which helps people see that they The Red Deer Arthritis program serves The Arthritis Education and Pool Program, can manage their arthritis effectively so it isn’t residents in the city, as well as those from which started in Red Deer in 1998, provides compromising their quality of life.” surrounding areas such as Elnora, Rocky clients with support and education. A physician’s Other subjects include what pain is and how Mountain House, Lacombe, Ponoka and Stettler. referral is needed. it impacts the body, joint protection, how canes To access the program, a doctor’s referral is “Our basic philosophy for the program is, or walkers can help reduce pain and how splints required and can be faxed to the Rehabilitation ‘knowledge is power,’” says occupational can help preserve and protect a joint. Department at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at therapist Carla Falk. “We start by explaining what “If someone takes 100 steps a day, they 403.343.4419. n

Occupational therapist Carla Falk, left, and physical therapist Barb Hoar, help those with arthritis manage their condition, providing education on joint protection, using mobility aids, stress management, nutrition and the power of positive thinking.

www.albertahealthservices.ca There are plenty of health care options available. Learn yours by visiting the AHS website. e m e r g e n c y : f l o o d s 2 0 1 3 PAGE 3

an outpouring of community support

Bystanders watch as the Red Deer River continued to rise in June. Although flooding wasn’t as bad as initially forecasted, it still affected Drumheller, as well as and Red Deer, leading to declarations of local states of emergency and evacuations.

Alberta Health Services staff and volunteers across the Central Zone put the patients’ needs above their own. go the extra mile for patient safety in light of provincial flooding “The leadership from staff across the Central Zone who helped support the needs of the work Story by Gjenna Saretsky and Heather Kipling | Photo by Heather Kipling being done was exceptional.” he power of Mother Nature can be as crews, and those who kept the emergency The Stettler Health Centre, Hanna Health frightening as it can be humbling, but department staffed and open throughout, Black Centre, Olds Hospital and Care Centre and Tas communities continue their efforts to says everyone put in an incredible effort. Trochu St. Mary’s Health Care Centre (Covenant recover and rebuild in the face of record-breaking “The staff in Sundre who helped move patients Health) accommodated a total of 65 long-term floods, the human spirit remains undampened. were exceptional. Upon reaching Olds, the staff care residents. Stettler, and Hanna It is that same spirit that banded people on that end agreed to stay late to help.” also accommodated 22 acute care patients. together to help family, friends, neighbours and Within the Central Zone, three communities In addition, 21 residents went to stay with complete strangers get to safety, and it united – Red Deer, Sundre and Drumheller – were on nearby family. health care teams from far away to ensure the high alert as water levels in the Red Deer River Nancy Guntrip, Site Manager, Drumheller safety of patients and residents. continued to climb. Health Centre, had her own home put on With unwavering care and attention – even in All three were among 27 Alberta communities evacuation notice, but worked through the the face of their own homes being evacuated to declare local states of emergency at the height weekend to ensure patients were moved safely. – Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff and of what has been called the worst flooding in the “The support at the receiving sites was volunteers put plans in motion that saw those in province’s history. fantastic. I understand that when residents their care taken to safety as a precaution. Two days after the precautionary evacuation arrived in Olds, there was a volunteer for each “This is a true testament to why we work in the in Sundre, staff at the Drumheller Health Centre person and lunch and refreshments were field we do,” says Tracey Black, Area Director for faced a similar situation upstream, as water immediately available,” Guntrip says. Mountain View and Clearwater Counties, as she levels continued to climb, reminiscent of flooding More than 90 Central Zone volunteers also reflects on the events leading to the evacuation last seen in the town in 2005. rose to the challenge, contributing over 300 of the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre. “The Banding together, neighbouring sites opened hours of time to assist in moving patients in both care and attention that was provided throughout their doors, offering space and accommodations Sundre and Drumheller. Volunteer Resources this event went over and above excellent.” to patients moved as a precaution. Manager Lynn Gray says volunteers “were On June 20, 12 long-term care residents and “The support of surrounding communities to honoured we could offer our assistance.” six acute care patients from the Sundre Hospital take patients and residents was amazing,” says And as water levels receded, work began on and Care Centre were temporarily moved to Barb Frere, Area Director for Kneehill, Starland returning to normal, in both the facilities and the nearby sites including Olds Hospital and Care and Special Area 2. communities they serve. Centre, the Innisfail Health Centre, and the Rocky “The staff and physicians in Drumheller who “Overall this was a real community of family Mountain House Health Centre. pulled together to co-ordinate the evacuation who worked together to ensure the safety of the From nursing staff, to administrators, facility demonstrated true team effort in motion. Some patients,” says Frere. “And for that, we thank maintenance and engineering staff and EMS had their own homes to worry about, but they you.” n Teamwork was nothing short of amazing f there is a positive to be found in terrible Trochu, Innisfail and . situations such as the flooding that occurred Some residents went to stay with loved ones. Iin parts of southern and central Alberta in As was demonstrated in Drumheller and June, it is the way people come together to help Sundre, the teamwork between staff, physicians and support one another. and volunteers at these other sites was nothing This rang true for us here in Central Zone DR. evan lundAll kerry bales short of impressive. People were willing to help when the decision was made to temporarily Medical Director Senior Vice President out wherever they could to benefit the patients move patients and continuing care residents Central Zone Central Zone and residents and long hours were put in to out of both the Sundre Hospital and Care of Drumheller and Sundre. However, staff, ensure things proceeded as planned. It is these Centre and the Drumheller Health Centre as a physicians, volunteers and families were quick to things that allowed us to be successful. precautionary measure due to the risk of major respond and put the plans into action. Meanwhile, There are countless stories of people going flooding in these areas. Both communities had other AHS staff worked behind the scenes to above and beyond to assist with the flood declared states of local emergency due to rising ensure both facilities remained safe and open for response efforts and these have not gone water levels in the Red Deer River. those who required emergency services. unnoticed. It was no small feat to move all acute care Patients and residents were safely moved to We’re grateful to all of you for a job well done patients and continuing care residents out facilities in Hanna, Olds, Three Hills, Stettler, and feel privileged to be a part of your team. n

A career in health care can be extremely rewarding. Visit the AHS website for career details. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 4 e m e r g e n c y : f l o o d s 2 0 1 3

In Zone, at Oilfields Hospital in Black Diamond, soon-to-graduate nurse Jessica MacNeil-Mah comforts patient Dorothy Thomson, who turned 87 in July.

Edmonton Zone Alberta Health Services medical photographer Mathew Martin, also a member of the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, starts his day in the cool early-morning hours, examining a flood-ravaged area near Deerfoot Trail in Calgary. He was involved in protecting a power sub-station that provided electricity to the city’s south side.

In North Zone, this campsite park, located east of the Morris Creek Bridge and south of Fort McMurray between Gregoire Estates and Anzac, experienced flooding from the Hangingstone River. Disaster and hope Photos by: • James Frey • McMurray Aviation • Carla Ralph • Lisa Squires • Paul Rotzinger • Heather Kipling • Mathew Martin

In Drumheller, in Central Zone, EMS vehicles stand watch over the rising Red Deer River.

AHS President and CEO Dr. Chris Eagle, right, toured the flood reception centre at the Village Square Water more than Leisure Centre in a foot deep fills Calgary, where AHS the basement staff and volunteers of the High provided health care River Health to those affected by Services Annex the flood. With him are Building, located registered nurse Carey near Dumonceau, left, and General Hospital. Dr. Mirna Nahas.

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. e m e r g e n c y : f l o o d s 2 0 1 3 PAGE 5

Staff at Black Diamond’s Oilfields General Hospital grin from the doors of six temporary Porta Potties, near the facility’s entrance. Town officials feared the water supply might be in jeopardy after flooding, so, although patients continued to use the facilities indoors, the 60-or-so staff moved outdoors as part of water conservation measures.

There wasn’t a zone left unaffected by the June floods in this province. But Alberta Health Services staff, Disaster In South Zone, the indoor running track at the University of physicians and volunteers was converted to a reception centre for High River rose to the occasion in an evacuees. AHS staff from public health, home care, pharmacy, unprecedented show of addiction and mental health and the Chinook Primary Care Network were on hand to support those displaced by the floods. professionalism, generosity and hope and sense of family, proving • McMurray Aviation to Albertans that we are there • Paul Rotzinger with you, and we are there for

you when you need care. Kristen Dykstra, an Environmental Public Health inspector with Alberta Health Services in , left, and Medicine Hat resident Sandie Davidson look to see if Davidson’s home is safe to occupy.

AHS personal care attendant Linda Gibbs offers tea and cake to long-term care resident Although Canmore General Hospital became almost surrounded by Charlotte water, staff responded with an “all hands on deck” attitude, says Barb Colbow. Gibbs Shellian, Director of Bow Valley Community and Rural Health for AHS. and Colbow “(It included) emergency department docs pushing rising water down are both High the elevator shaft to keep up with the rising tide, staff risking danger to River evacuees get to work to care for patients, OR nurses scrubbing down walls with who moved to Javex, ER nurses washing pots and pans, housekeeping staff serving Vulcan General meals, and food service staff mopping floors.” Hospital.

For the latest health news updates in your zone, visit the AHS website. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 6 e m e r g e n c y : f l o o d s 2 0 1 3

flood news from around the province s s calgary zone central zone Contingency plans kept care running Business as usual in Central Zone At least 60 of Calgary’s 1,100 family physicians and a number of specialist Although the flood situations in both Drumheller and Sundre were not as great physician offices and clinics were affected by the flooding. as initially feared, both towns still declared states of emergency. However, contingency plans were in place to offer alternative care at other The Drumheller Health Centre and Sundre Hospital and Care Centre were locations or relocate these practices. AHS gathered information from the evacuated as a precautionary measure, temporarily moving residents and patients affected physicians and specialists and provided it to Health Link Alberta which to neighbouring towns. In total, six communities, including Olds, Innisfail, Rocky directed patients to the most suitable resource. Mountain House, Stettler, Three Hills, Hanna and Trochu St. Mary’s Health Care The evacuation of High River meant AHS evacuated both the High River Centre (Covenant Health), accommodated acute care and long-term care residents. Hospital and three Calgary care centres. Working with patients and families, As well, some residents were able to stay with family. As floodwaters receded, both 47 acute-care patients and 75 long-term care residents in High River were facilities began returning patients and residents and resuming normal operations. relocated. Residents of Calgary’s Agape Hospice and two continuing care sites, s Bowview Manor and BowCrest Centre, were also relocated. edmonton zone No elevators? No problem! Edmonton AHS photog focused on Calgary Members of Calgary Metro Emergency Medical Services proved their fitness When disaster struck Calgary, Edmonton-based Alberta Health Services medical on June 22, when they evacuated the 16-storey Murdoch Manor in the East photographer Mathew Martin – also a member of the 41 Combat Engineer Village – all without the use of elevators. Regiment – headed south with his regiment to help. Although about 90 per cent of the 200 or so elderly residents were able to As an engineer member of the Canadian Forces Reserves for 17 years, the make it out with minimal assistance, paramedics still had to physically assist 34-year-old corporal helped protect a flood-ravaged area near Deerfoot Trail about two dozen residents down the stairs. in Calgary, and was involved in protecting a power sub-station that provided “It was a tremendous effort by our staff because they were also carrying electricity to the city’s south side. heavy medical equipment with them at all times,” says Stuart Brideaux, Public “Houses there were in danger with a riverbank about to be swept away,” says Education Officer for Calgary Zone EMS. “They were able to work their way Martin, “and we helped with the city to protect the bank and that whole area.” down 16 stories in a span of about three hours.” s Flood couldn’t sever connections south zone Staff and patients from the High River General Hospital were dispersed to From Lethbridge, with love other facilities as a result of the June 20 flood, but some saw familiar faces in Heleen Brandhorst, an AHS unit clerk at Chinook Regional Hospital in Vulcan. Lethbridge, wanted to help the people in Calgary affected by the floods. Linda Gibbs, a personal care attendant, and Charlotte Colbow, a long-term “They are our neighbours and they would do the same for us,” says Brandhorst, care resident, both found themselves relocated temporarily to the Vulcan who sent out an email to all staff in the AHS South Zone asking for donations. Community Health Centre. “Right away the emails started coming back. We had people from not just “When the patients see someone they know, they feel so much better,” Gibbs Lethbridge, but from to Taber making donations,” says Brandhorst. says. “It can be a little unsettling to be moved around like that, so it really helps It translated into two truckloads of supplies. to be able to make that connection.” About 75 long-term care residents from High River General Hospital were High River evacuees welcomed in south moved to other facilities in the wake of the flood. The Vulcan Community Health Centre took 10 patients and the town’s Extendicare facility received another 14. With little more than the clothes on their backs and few personal items, evacuees from High River arrived at the University of Lethbridge on June 27. “People were actually in fairly good spirits,” says Trevor Inaba, Director of Delivering on great expectations Addictions and Mental Health and team lead at the U of L reception centre. “Most Many expectant moms from the High River area continued to get the care were pretty grateful to have the opportunity to get out of the evacuation centres they needed at a temporary clinic set up in the Health and Wellness around High River and into more traditional accommodations.” Centre. Up to 30 women a day visited the relocated Low-risk Obstetrics Clinic AHS’ role at the U of L was to provide for the health needs of the evacuees. since it sprang into existence on June 24. “We provided staff to the U of L from addictions and mental health, public “You get this wondrous flexibility in rural areas,” says Dr. Les Cunning, Alberta health, home care, and pharmacy,” says Sean Chilton, Senior Vice President of Health Services’ Zone Clinical Department Head for Rural Medicine. “People South Zone. just make these things happen. Most of the doctors and staff in the area are s suffering personal losses and dislocations of their own, and they’re showing this north zone really phenomenal flexibility in the face of potential emotional despair.” Fort Mac flooding forced PCN relocation Filling the right prescription Although Alberta Health Services’ North Zone facilities weren’t in danger of A temporary service at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre stepped flooding when the Hangingstone River went over its banks in mid-June, the Wood in to help High River flood victims who may have overlooked grabbing their Buffalo Primary Care Network’s office wasn’t as fortunate. medications in the rush to get to safety. The PCN’s office sustained heavy damage at its location in the Syncrude Sport “Depending on the circumstances, discontinuing a prescription medication and Wellness Centre when floodwaters hit the recreational facility. for a day or two could have huge implications,” says Dr. Chris Powell, a family But with help from the local AHS Information Technology department, the PCN physician who normally practises out of High River and is now seeing patients was able to re-open its doors less than a day later at the After-Hours Clinic in in Okotoks. the River City Centre. Computer systems, particularly access to electronic health Up and running since June 24, the service was seeing up to 30 patients daily. records, were quickly restored. s Health Link Poison & Drug Alberta Supports Mental Health need help? Alberta Information Service Contact Centre Help Line Call us 1.866.408.5465 (LINK) 1.800.332.1414 1.866.644.5135 1.877.303.2642 www.albertahealthservices.ca Looking for a physician in your area? Visit the Alberta Health Services website for information. o u r p a r t n e r s PAGE 7 floyd helps in trust for your health care Step up for health in your community and make a difference to local health care by having David Thompson Health Trust flesh out help you host your own fundraiser. For more information, treatment please visit www.davidthompsonhealthtrust.com. Physiotherapy patients get ‘bare bones’ education

Story by Kerri Robins | Photo by Bev Loven | he good folks in the Meet “Floyd,” the skeleton physiotherapy department affectionately named by the Tat Sylvan Lake Community physiotherapy staff at the Health Centre, Sylvan Lake, don’t Sylvan Lake Community Health mind “Floyd” hanging around. In fact, Centre. “Riding” a stationary they’re quite used to him – he’s very bike used by patients for quiet, but keeps a watchful eye over rehabilitative physiotherapy, the department. Floyd is a valuable educational Floyd is an artificial articulated resource, helping patients skeleton – meaning the head, neck, learn how various parts of the torso and limbs are connected in a body are connected and better way that allows movement between understand their type of injury. different body parts in order to demonstrate how they work. Suffering from sports-related injuries aid the recovery process. While and arthritis in her back and neck, the bike is not used in every Carol McMillan was a patient at the health case, it’s instrumental in helping centre physiotherapy department for about patients heal. two years and wanted to “pay forward” on Clients recovering from injuries the great treatment she received. such as fractures, knee and back “The physical therapists and staff made surgeries, or hip replacements, my visits and treatment successful,” benefit from the bike through says McMillan. strength-training and regaining range “They explained my of motion. treatments thoroughly and Many patients start off just rocking it just felt right donating the pedals back forth to gain mobility the funds to the David and work up to full revolutions. Thompson Health Trust for muscles Like Floyd, the physiotherapy the purchase of the skeleton for are attached bike was donated to the David education.” and his right shoulder, Thompson Health Trust. And therapists have found Floyd to be a hip and knee demonstrate the inner Corrie Fortner, Executive Director valuable educational tool. workings of tendons, ligaments and for the health trust, is pleased with the “We use the skeleton a lot and it really helps menisci (cartilage disks in some areas of the donations and the benefits Floyd and the our clients understand their treatment program body that act as cushions between the ends of bike provide. and set realistic, achievable goals for their bones that meet joints – for example, knees). “It’s nice to see our donations at work,” says recovery,” says Bev Loven, physical therapist at Floyd doesn’t “work” alone and across the Fortner. the health centre. room from him sits a physiotherapy bike also “Educational tools like Floyd are important in An excellent visual, Floyd helps clients see used in rehabilitation. helping engage patients in their rehabilitation how the body works and how their injuries affect A stationary bike that self-charges through and the bike is invaluable in patients’ recovery them. On Floyd’s left side, markings show where pedalling, it’s used in a variety of treatments to programs.” n recruitment underway for hac members Story by Kristin Bernhard | concerns. This includes hearing directly from the the health and well-being of their communities,” ealth Advisory Councils (HACs) across people who volunteer their time on the councils.” says Donaghy. “Everything we do at AHS is Alberta are now looking for new Established in 2009, HACs have 10 to 15 about improving the quality of life for Albertans. Hmembers. volunteer members who: Community engagement through the councils Bringing health care decisions to the local • Engage members of the community and provides input that furthers our ability to provide level is the goal of councils across the province. communicate what is being said about health patient-focused care at a local level.” As everyday Albertans with a passion for services in their area. Albertans interested in becoming a Health health care, council members work with their • Provide feedback about what is working Advisory Council member are asked to communities, listening to concerns, in an effort well within the health care system and suggest complete and submit an Expression of Interest to improve the health and wellness in their areas. areas for improvement. no later than Aug. 23. “Health Advisory Council members play • Promote opportunities for members of Expression of Interest forms and information an important role in connecting Alberta communities to get engaged. about Health Advisory Councils, their locations Health Services with communities across the The councils meet six times annually. and membership, are available at www. province,” says Keith Donaghy, Executive The current recruitment drive will fill vacant albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp. Interested Director, Community Relations. “We can only positions on councils across the province. Albertans can also phone 1.403.943.1241, or be genuinely responsive to Albertans if we “We are looking for committed, enthusiastic toll-free 1.877.275.8830, or email community. understand their needs and listen to their Albertans with an interest in health issues, and in [email protected]. n

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f creative connections add colour hether it’s a beautiful watercolour enhance spaces, for patients, staff and visitors landscape, a still-life pencil sketch alike,” says Lynn Gray, Volunteer Resources Wor a neon abstract, art can add Manager. “Art can be a very important part of colour to any space. It can also enliven an patient care; it’s an opportunity to focus on Jennifer Bishop, Director of the Centennial atmosphere, engage people in conversation positive subjects like beauty, hope, joy and Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, and and help people heal. humour that they may find in the art displayed.” Don Letwinetz, Community Relations Advisor Volunteer Resources in the Central Zone The first Creative Connections project was with Encana in Ponoka, cut the ribbon, is hoping some new art displays can do all launched at the Red Deer Regional Hospital opening the Creative Connections program. of these things, as the Creative Connections Centre in 2006, with funding from the Red Deer program expands to rural facilities. Regional Health Foundation. Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, , “The Creative Connections walls will visually Display walls have also been opened in Bentley, Stettler, Drumheller and Lacombe. n

Zone Medical Director Dr. Evan Lundall cENTRAL local Senior Vice President Kerry Bales zone leadership AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Right here in central Alberta, frontline physicians and other clinical leaders at every level of the organization have joint planning and decision-making authority with operational leaders, meaning faster decision-making closer to where care is provided. DR. EVAN KERRY LUNDALL BALES alberta: zone by zone edmonton zone Population: 1,186,121 • Life expectancy: 81.8 years • Hospitals: 13 north zone Communities: • Gibbons • Stony Plain Population: 447,740 • Life expectancy: 79.8 years • Hospitals: 34 • Beaumont • Leduc • Thorsby Communities: • Fort MacKay • Kinuso • Slave Lake • Devon • • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 13 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Communities: • • Nanton • • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • • Okotoks • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • High River Population: 453,469 • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 31 Communities: • Galahad • • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • Three Hills SOUTH zone • Bentley • • Olds • Population: 289,661 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 80.3 years • Hospitals: 13 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Communities: Pass • • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • Pincher Creek • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Irvine • Raymond • • Lamont House • • Brooks • Lethbridge • Redcliff • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • • Taber • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • Medicine Hat • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • Crowsnest • Milk River

central Zone: Heather Kipling Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s Phone: 403.341.8687 IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Email: (printer places on) [email protected] Zone News – Central Zone is published how to Mail: 43 Michener Bend monthly by Alberta Health Services to Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0H6 inform Albertans of the programs and The paper used by Zone News is certified by services available to them, and of the work the Forest Stewardship Council, an international, To see Central Zone News online, please visit being done to improve the health care non-profit organization that promotes reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5825.asp system in their communities. sustainable, responsibly managed forests.

Some mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus, can t so it’s best to avoid being bitten at all. Mosquitoes ’ bite you • Use an insect repellent with DEET. • Wear a light-coloured long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a hat. they • Consider staying indoors at dawn and if can’t find you. dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. For more information, visit ghtthebite.info or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.

www.albertahealthservices.ca Be sure to visit our website for health advisories around the province.