Lake Country Health (LCH) is looking for a new location to accommodate its growing programs and services.
Executive Director Lonna Grange appeared before district council Dec. 5 explaining what the organization needs.
鈥淔or the Community Health Centre (CHC) we鈥檙e looking at about a 5,000 square foot clinic.鈥�
LCH currently provides services for older adults, and caregivers, as well as mental health and substance use support out of its offices on Main Street.
鈥淲e are looking forward to expanding the programs and workshop offerings,鈥� Grange added. 鈥淲e鈥檙e just a little bit limited due to lack of program space.鈥�
The mandate of LCH is to address health and wellness gaps in Lake Country. The new centre would provide health and social services including primary care and other services under one roof.
Grange pointed out that seniors over 85 are the fastest-growing demographic in the country and are expected to triple by 2046 (Statistics Canada).
鈥淟ake Country is a retirement destination placing the proportion of seniors higher than the national average.鈥�
Population aging shifts the balance of services needed and puts additional pressure on several sectors including health care Grange noted in her presentation.
Funding for LCH comes from Health BC ($1.8 million annually), and Grange said there would be an one-time $3 million amount for tenant improvement and equipment costs for the new site. LCH would also contribute $196,000 annually.
鈥淲e are battling the ability to expand to the full potential and meet community needs due to the lack of space we have,鈥� she added.
Grange said the organization is working on a current site proposal that may prove suitable but won鈥檛 have a final answer until the new year.
More information about LCH can be found on their website or by emailing office@lakecountryhealth.ca.
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