Eager to bring primary health care to Bragg Creek, a non-profit group, working in partnership with the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network (CRPCN), has launched a fundraising campaign.
Mountain Woods Health Services (MWHS) is looking to raise $170,000 by the end of January. The plan is to start renovations of the clinic in February in hopes of opening it by the end of April 2012.
“We are required (by the CRPCN) to raise $170,000 to build out the space that we are going to rent and equip it so that we have a working clinic available for doctors to move into,” said Sharon Bayer of the MWHS. “They feel there has to be community buy-in and support.”
According to Bayer, all contributors will be recognized with a tax receipt, with $1,000 donors receiving on-site recognition as “friends” of the centre, donors of $5,000 will equip a room in the name of their choice, $25,000 donors will choose a name for an exam room and donors of $100,000 will have the honour of naming the clinic.
Bayer said it is critical the community takes part in the fundraising initiative.
“If they don’t, we won’t have a clinic,” said Bayer.
“And we desperately need some kind of local health care.”
Andi Gabb, MWHS vice chair, is optimistic about the fundraising campaign, saying that between 20 and 30 residents are involved.
“We are trying multiple approaches,” said Gabb, including seeking donations from corporations, philanthropic individuals, door-to-door canvassing and looking into government grants.
Bayer, a realtor and active volunteer, said the need is growing because of the community’s changing demographics, including an increasing number of families with young children.
The clinic, to be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some evenings, has already attracted three interested physicians, said Bayer. Negotiations are currently underway with these physicians to ensure their goals, values and business practice preferences are aligned with community needs.
MWHS is currently in negotiations to rent a site within the hamlet. Although he said he could not release the details, Bayer said the group is hoping to complete the lease agreement by the end of November.
The CRPCN has also hired a consultant to design and plan the centre and negotiate the various agreements required, and drawings will be developed by the end of the year. MWHS’s vision is to create a community health centre with extended health and wellness services.
“We are wanting to make Bragg Creek a health and wellness star in the sky,” said Gabb. “The vision is that (the clinic) support all sorts of programs that contribute to health and wellness.”
That programming could range from nutrition and fitness advice to family counselling, said Gabb. He is confident the vision is possible, thanks to the unique partnership the MWHS has with the CRPCN, which guarantees financial backing until the clinic becomes self-sustaining.
According to Bayer, several donations have already been given to the clinic. In addition, several advocates have volunteered and are now going door-to-door raising awareness and answering questions about the project.
“We are pleased with the reception,” said Bayer. “In addition to building the community, it is also going to make our community a better place to live.”
For more information, visit www.mountainwoodshealth.com or email [email protected]
Donations can be made online at www.docsinthecreek.com
