A Letter from our President
Dear Readers,
As we move into the holiday season, I want to extend warm greetings to all our members, partners, and communities across rural British Columbia. This time of year offers a moment to reflect on our collective work, the progress we’ve made, and the ongoing commitment to strengthening rural health.
Earlier this month, Paul and I had the opportunity to meet with Deanne Taylor, Executive Director for the Jim Pattison Centre for Health System Learning + Innovation. “The Centre is the first of its kind in the region, a dedicated hub where health care providers, researchers, educators, and policymakers can collaborate to pilot new models of care, analyze data, share knowledge, and accelerate innovative ideas that improve patient outcomes across the Interior Health region and beyond.”
The Centre for Innovation truly has synergy with the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN), and we look forward to further discussions on how we can collaborate and support each other. This strengthening relationship holds particular promise for rural communities seeking practical, sustainable solutions to long-standing challenges.
I continue working with the Personal Health Record (PHR) team, including a recent presentation to the physician CPE group about the need for British Columbians to have access to all their health information. When individuals can view, understand, and discuss their records with their care teams, they become true partners in their own health care, leading to better outcomes, earlier.
A quick RTVS (Real Time Virtual Support) update is,that as mentioned last month ,the Virtual Support programs of MaBAL (Maternity Support ) and CHARLiE (Paediatric Support) continue to operate on a reduced schedule . They are providing support through the night. Negotiations continue and we are hoping that these much needed services will return to provide support 24 hours a day, every day.
Our Fundraising Committee continues to explore opportunities to provide consistent financial support for the Network. Stable funding is essential as we continue to bring the voice of rural to all provincial tables and advocate effectively for the communities of BC.
The Implementation Committee continues its impressive work on strengthening Primary Health Care across rural British Columbia. Their dedication, expertise, and collaborative approach are driving meaningful progress in the development of sustainable, community-aligned health system solutions.We were fortunate to receive an inspiring presentation from Chelsea Wozniak in on the remarkable work happening at the Luther Court Community Health Centre. The CHC model continues to demonstrate how integrated, team-based care can transform patient experience and outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
The BCRHN continues to be well represented at CARGA and at the provincial Primary Care Review. Ensuring rural perspectives are included in these key discussions remains central to our mission, and our involvement is making a significant contribution.
A reminder that our Annual Meeting will be held on December 17, and we warmly welcome all members to attend. Your participation and input are invaluable as we continue to strengthen our Network and advance rural health
Unfortunately I have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Leonard Casley. Leonard has been a member of the board for 5 plus years.. His willingness to share his knowledge with us especially in the area of Emergency Services , including Fire and Ambulance ,has provided valuable input into our board discussions. He shall be missed but will continue to be a part of our Network as a member.
Our Executive Director, Paul Adams, continues to be exceptional in building connections, providing media presence, and ensuring our voice is heard at every table he attends. His commitment to the Network, and the time he devotes to every facet of the organization, is deeply appreciated by myself and by all those involved in the BCRHN.
A thank you also to Dea, who works tirelessly to gather information, follow up on initiatives, and connect with communities. Her friendly and engaging personality helps everyone she interacts with feel comfortable, supported, and heard.
Many heartfelt thanks to our Board Members, Liaisons, and all our Members, who bring their knowledge, time, and dedication to the Network. Your commitment is the foundation of the BCRHN, and we could not do this work without you.
So with that I will sign off for now and from my home to yours I wish you a warm and joyful holiday season filled with health happiness and peace , and only the best in 2026!
Only my best,
Peggy Skelton
President
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Dear Readers,
Over the past month, much of our work has centred on strengthening primary care in British Columbia and ensuring rural voices remain front and centre in ongoing system reform. The conversations, collaborations, and advocacy efforts that took place in November have reinforced how urgently rural access issues must be addressed and how important our collective work has become.
Primary Care Reform and the CARGA Process
The CARGA Primary Care Review continues to evolve, with the Ministry now expected to release Report 2 in early December. Following concerns that the first report did not provide the necessary data to evaluate primary care performance across communities, many stakeholders have provided feedback to the MoH team and we hope the collective concerns of many will be addressed in the next report.
I have been delighted to be involved with a working group formed by MLA Botterell tasked to develop a five-page proposal outlining what effective primary care should look like in BC. The model emphasizes team-based care, community governance, accountability, and funding mechanisms aligned with real population needs. This proposal has been shared with the Minister directly and continues to guide our discussions with the Ministry. It is also acting as foundation to the development of the Network’s internal position on Primary Care reform and the work being undertaken by our Implementation Committee.
We will keep the Network updated as Report 2 is released and as further opportunities for rural engagement emerge.
Implementation Committee Updates
With Dr. Jude Kornelsen returning earlier this month, work on the Implementation Committee has gained renewed momentum. Planning is well underway for future sessions that will bring in speakers, researchers, and health system leaders to help us refine our rural primary care position. These conversations continue to strengthen our understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and where the greatest opportunities lie for meaningful change.
Our focus remains clear: ensure that rural lived experiences directly inform policy, design, and implementation of primary care services across the province.
Housing is Healthcare: Ongoing Engagement
Beyond our previous updates, conversations with partners continue to underscore the importance of medical housing for rural residents who must travel for care. We remain engaged with several groups, including emerging projects in Vancouver, to explore models that could reduce barriers for patients facing high accommodation costs. This work remains a core advocacy priority for the Network.
Addressing Gaps in Neurodivergent Assessment Services
Rural families continue to face significant delays and barriers in accessing neurodivergent assessments for children and adults. This month included several meetings with regional partners and health authorities to build a clearer understanding of available resources and the systemic gaps that persist.
A productive meeting with Northern Health leadership has led to a stronger commitment to ongoing dialogue, with future sessions being extended and more formally structured to advance collaborative solutions. In addition, new connections were made with the Autism BC leadership and Jude’s team at UBC is embarking on a research project to further assess the gaps in care and assessment.
Transportation and Access to Care
I was invited to participate in a provincial roundtable on improving transportation across BC. Initially focused on urban transit, the conversation has expanded to include the broader concept of public transportation and the essential role it plays in healthcare access for rural residents.
Our involvement is helping shift the perspective toward one that recognizes:
- the absence of basic inter-community routes,
- lack of public transportation options across rural BC,
- the significant cost burden placed on residents and the ongoing reliance on private vehicles for essential care,
- the lack of mobility options for seniors and people with disabilities, and
- the direct connection between transportation and equitable access to health services.
We will continue to advocate for transportation solutions that reflect rural realities.
Collaboration on Access to Care
This month also highlighted a deeply concerning example of rural inequity: a North Island resident who declined treatment for macular degeneration due to travel and accommodation costs, resulting in preventable blindness. Yet another example of why travel assistance must be seen as a moral imperative and a cost saving measure and not an unattainable pipe dream. The cost of people unable to reach care in a timely fashion is costing people their health and wellbeing and causing massive long-term costs to the system.
We are working with COSCO to join voices and forces on advancing travel assistance and improving access to care.
New Partnerships and Community Connections
Our work this month also included:
- collaboration with the First Nations Health Foundation on Housing is Healthcare,
- engagement with Community Living BC to understand the access barriers faced by their rural clients, and
- the beginning of a new relationship with a Kelowna-based group
Jim Pattison Centre for Health System Learning + Innovation., exploring community-driven health innovation.
These connections are expanding our ability to build solutions that reflect rural needs and create new opportunities for partnership across the province.
We hope we will see many of our readers join our Network and invite all members to join us for our AGM on December 17th at 3pm PST, for additional information please contact us at info@bcruralhealth.org.
I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!
Yours in health and wellness,
Paul Adams
Executive Director
BC Rural Health Network
Community Connect
Hello everyone,
I truly hope this message finds you in good spirits. I can hardly believe that after this month, we’ll be stepping into a brand-new year. It feels surreal, but also exciting, knowing how much possibility is waiting just around the corner.
As I think back on the year, my heart keeps returning to the many moments we shared across our rural and remote communities. Each visit, each conversation, each story reminded me of the strength, warmth, and deep sense of connection that make our communities so special.
This year, so many of you shared your stories of overcoming challenges, supporting neighbors, finding strength in tradition, and creating new ideas rooted in the land and people you know so well. These stories matter. They help us understand the realities of rural living, the resourcefulness it requires, and the opportunities that grow when community voices lead the way.
Through open discussions and shared experiences, we explored ideas that have the power to shape real change, not just in programs or policies, but in the everyday lives of families, elders, youth, and local leaders. Whether it was talking about access to services, celebrating local successes, or imagining new ways to support each other, each idea collected throughout the year came from a place of honesty, hope, and lived experience.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who welcomed me into their spaces, shared their perspectives, and helped build conversations that truly reflect the needs and strengths of rural and remote communities. Your insight continues to guide our efforts and ensures that our outreach at the BC Rural Health Network isn’t just meaningful, it’s relevant, respectful, and community driven.
As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue walking alongside you, amplifying local voices, and working together toward solutions that honor the uniqueness of every community we visit. There are more stories to hear, more ideas to grow, and more opportunities to create positive, lasting change.
Thank you for your warmth, your honesty, and your partnership throughout the year. Wishing you a peaceful end to the year and a hopeful, inspired beginning to the next. If you are interested in sharing ideas or lived experiences, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Kind regards
Dea
dea.lewsaw@bcruralhealth.org
December Member of the Month:
Options for Sexual Health
Options for Sexual Health brings trusted, non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health care to communities throughout British Columbia. As we continue to see changes to the landscape of health care, Options continues to find ways to support the sexual and reproductive health care of people in BC. Last year, Options for Sexual Health faced a significant funding challenge, and they heard from many of their patients and clients about the impact Options has, not only in their communities, but also on their lives.
For Options, it’s important to not only be in big cities but also to meet the needs of people in rural and remote areas of the province where services are limited. For many people living outside major centres there can be a lack of local capacity, which creates real barriers to getting timely, confidential care. Options aims to reduce those barriers with a combination of clinical services, education, the Sex Sense phone & email resource, and an active Community Engagement team, all designed to meet people where they are.
Options understands that distance and limited services aren’t the only challenges rural residents face: smaller, close-knit communities may also amplify stigma, preventing people from seeking health care services, and local providers may lack specialized sexual health training. Options’ multi-pronged model addresses these layers by delivering direct clinical care, offering trusted remote advice through Sex Sense, building local skills through education, and creating ongoing community relationships through engagement work. The result is a more resilient local system where people can access care safely, confidentially and with dignity.
Clinical care that fits local needs Options provides clinical care in a way that most other health care providers can’t, especially in rural and remote communities. Options directly manages 33 clinics and partners with an additional 15 clinics to provide accessible and specialized sexual and reproductive clinical care. Clients can access sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, contraception and contraceptive counselling, cervical screening, pregnancy options information, and confidential follow-up care. Clinics aim to be inclusive and affirming for people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds.
Education that builds local capacity Prevention and health literacy are core to Options’ work. Their education program delivers age-appropriate, evidence-based sexual health workshops in schools, for parent groups, and for professionals and service providers. In smaller communities this could be training for local health professionals, teachers, and youth workers so they have the confidence and tools to support their community. The program also works with Indigenous partners and culturally specific organizations to adapt the learnings and resources so they’re respectful, relevant, and effective. By strengthening local knowledge, Options helps communities keep more of their care close to home.
Sex Sense: confidential information by phone and email Options for Sexual Health recognizes that not everyone is able to (or wants to!) get in-person care right away. Sex Sense, Options’ phone and email resource, provides a low-barrier way to get accurate, confidential answers to questions about contraception, STIs, consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. The staff who answer Sex Sense are trained to be non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and practical: they explain options, help people figure out next steps, and connect callers or emailers with local services when clinical care is needed, which can also help ease the burden on local health care like family physicians, walk in clinics, and emergency rooms. For someone in a small town who may not be able to immediately access a clinic or clinician, Sex Sense offers immediate and reliable guidance — and when follow-up is necessary, the team can help connect people with resources to book appointments or referrals that respect the situation. If you or someone you know needs confidential advice, information, or an appointment Options’ Sex Sense phone and email service is a helpful first step. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., they’re ready to help with your sexual health questions and concerns!
Community Engagement: outreach, partnerships and presence Options’ Community Engagement team is what turns policy and programs into real reach on the ground. That team builds partnerships with rural health centres, Indigenous health providers, schools, and social service agencies to design services that fit local realities. Community Engagement coordinates outreach events, pop-up clinics, and health promotion at markets, fairs, and other local events to not only provide access to information and resources, but also to help normalize sexual health as part of everyday community life rather than something to be hidden. The Options for Sexual Health website and social media channels are also a great resource for people looking for more information, with a low barrier access point for everyone!
Reaching farther: telehealth and flexible delivery Options also recognizes that sometimes it is just not possible to access a clinic in person, whether due to geography, work, school, or just otherwise busy lives! To accommodate this, Options now has a telehealth service. Telehealth consultations allow clinicians to provide care and follow up without forcing long trips. These flexible delivery models are designed to work around rural realities and reduce the distance between a person and the care they need. When local capacity is limited, Options also focuses on building partnerships in local communities and finding the best resources available for you.
How To Find Options Whether you live in a city, a small town, or a remote community, Options for Sexual Health aims to reduce barriers to care to be there for you! · To find a clinic in your area visit the Clinic Finder on Options’ website. · To access Sex Sense, visit SexSense.org or call 1-800-739-7367 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
By combining clinical services, education, confidential telephone and email support, and dedicated community outreach, Options for Sexual Health helps ensure geography doesn’t determine who can get quality sexual and reproductive health care.
Options for Sexual Health is a registered non-profit and charity. In order to continue to provide these services and more, they do rely on the generosity of people like you! If you’d like to support the work Options is doing, please consider becoming a donor, and help to ensure their services remain in the rural and remote communities of BC. Thank you!
Visit Options for Sexual Health Webpage Here
A Career in Saving Lives: BCEHS Youth Pathways Program Opens Doors for Future Paramedics
British Columbia’s rural communities need more paramedics, and the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) Youth Pathways Program is stepping up to inspire the next generation of emergency responders. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on the frontlines of healthcare, responding to crises, and making a real difference in people’s lives, this program is your chance to find out.
From interactive simulations to hands-on ride-along experiences, BCEHS is offering a structured pathway for students from Grade 9 to 12, and even young adults, to explore the world of paramedicine.
An Opportunity for Rural Youth to Step into the Action
BCEHS is actively reaching out to rural youth, encouraging them to consider a career in emergency health services. With an increasing demand for paramedics across BC’s remote and underserved regions, this program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and fast-track their careers in healthcare.
Here’s how students can get involved:
- Grade 9: A Day in the Life of a Paramedic – Get a firsthand look at what it takes to be a paramedic through interactive simulations, first aid training, and Q&A sessions with professionals.
- Grade 10: Paramedic Youth Camp – A 2-day immersive camp where students develop teamwork, leadership, and life-saving skills that will enhance their resumes.
- Grades 11 & 12: High School EMR Course – A post-secondary Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course delivered at the high school level, preparing students for entry-level roles in emergency medicine.
- Youth Observer Program (Ages 17-18) – Experience the adrenaline rush of emergency response through ride-along shifts, mentorship from paramedics, and hands-on medical training.
Why This Matters for Rural Communities
Many rural areas across BC face critical shortages of paramedics, leading to long wait times and increased pressure on emergency services. By encouraging young people to explore this career path early, BCEHS is helping to build a strong, local workforce that can serve their own communities.
For rural students who may not have considered a future in healthcare, this program provides an accessible and exciting introduction to emergency medicine, without having to leave their home communities to get started.
How to Get Involved
If you, or someone you know, are interested in a future as a paramedic, now is the time to explore the BCEHS Youth Pathways Program. The program is school-sponsored and offers life-changing experiences that could set students on the path to a rewarding and impactful career.
Brochure BCEHS Youth Pathways Program Download
For more information, visit BCEHS Youth Pathways Program or contact Deborah Roberts at (250) 731-7197 or Deborah.roberts@bcehs.ca.
Take the first step toward a career that saves lives, because the future of emergency health services in BC starts with you