Nanaimo is a historically blue-collar community, where access to healthcare has long been a challenge. This area is home to half the population of Vancouver Island but only gets 1/5th of its health resources. On this first episode of Season 2 of Harbouring Hope, host Barney Ellis-Perry chats with Donna Hais and Jon Waddell from the Fair Care Alliance, a grassroots advocacy group that’s been working hard to address these gaps and make our healthcare needs a key political issue. Thanks to their advocacy, Nanaimo now stands out as the only community in British Columbia with two healthcare projects approved to move forward into concept planning––a new patient tower and a cardiovascular cath lab.
Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance
Donna Hais is a Nanaimo business leader and healthcare advocate dedicated to improving access to specialized healthcare on Central and North Vancouver Island. She serves on the Board of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, is Community Liaison for the Medical Staff Association, chairs the Fair Care Alliance and the Nanaimo Port Authority, and serves on the Mayor's Leaders Table. Former President of both the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the Nanaimo Executive Association, she has been a leading voice advocating for expanded tertiary healthcare services for the residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. In 2014, she was named Nanaimo's Community Leader of the Year.
Jon Waddell is a successful businessman, healthcare advocate and community leader with the Fair Care Alliance, a citizen-led coalition working to secure equitable access to tertiary healthcare for residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. Through the Alliance, he has helped champion the case for a new patient tower and a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, highlighting the healthcare disparities faced by nearly half a million residents living north of the Malahat. Waddell works alongside physicians, business leaders, Indigenous leaders, and community organizations to advocate for modern healthcare infrastructure and improved access to specialized care for the region.
About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.
About your Host
Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.
Additional Resources from this Episode
We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:
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