Community health meeting on tap

in communities with similar catchment populations,” states the assessment.

The advisory council launched a city-wide letter writing campaign earlier this year that brought the assessment to the attention of bi-provincial health ministries.

“So hopefully, we want to get some stronger timetables to where we’re at and that it is moving forward,” said Richer.

The Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council hopes to turn people away at an upcoming community health meeting at the Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium.

Advisory council chair, Paul Richer, wants an overflow turnout on Sept. 7 to learn what’s happening in the region from Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials.

“I hope I turn people away. I need the media, our own group, everybody to pack the place to turn people away because I believe with just that fact, we’ll send a message,” said Richer, who expects at least 150 people to attend.

He says the intended outcome is for health authorities to “clearly see the community is united” and recognize the Lloydminster region has fewer services than anyone else in both provinces.

Richer also hopes health authorities are willing to do something about it.

He says he wants to see “less lip service” and some construction and programs added.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation at 7 p.m. from bi-provincial panelists who are expected to address the council’s list of priority health issues, including an update on renal dialysis.

“I’ve asked for a written copy,” said Richer, who will provide copies of the advisory council’s own progress report on outstanding health related issues in the region.

Richer expects the panel to bring resi - dents up to speed on the promised update of the 2013 Lloydminster Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment.

“The Lloydminster area is underserved when compared to provincial average health services capacity and the services provided

“We were told a few months ago that it was 18 months away to be completed. We are hoping it’s on track. Once you have it in the public domain, it’s really hard for them to retract.”

Richer also hopes the panel touches on other priorities including the need for mental health stabilization beds, biprovincial medical file sharing and long-term care spaces as well.

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