Health service agencies go above and beyond

The McLeod River Primary Care Network (MRPCN) held its annual Whitecourt Connections event last Thursday at the Whitecourt Seniors Circle. For the past three years, MRPCN has invited many health care related service companies to spend one day assisting residents with health care needs free of charge. Some of the services offered are: eye care, flu shots, haircuts, and nail and foot care. The event also had several booths that offered information on health issues and concerns.

Darren Caines, Executive Director with MRPCN, said, “The event brings all service agencies together, and our primary goal is to help residents in the community who have needs that aren’t being met and bring them together to socialize. It’s also a good opportunity to have services available to them which they may not otherwise reach out to on their own. With an event like this, residents can go from table to table and access whatever services they feel would meet their needs.”

In total, 25 tables were set up for residents to browse, take advantage of services offered as well as to sit for a hot lunch provided by Original Joes. MRPCN had another successful year, drawing in more and more as each year goes by. Caines added, “The number of people who attend shows there’s an obvious need in our community for events such as this. Another important factor is that everyone who had a booth set up to spend their day helping others is just a big eye-opener. People care, they want to come out and help, and they want to lend a hand. It’s just a great way to show that Whitecourt agencies and small businesses want to give back to the community.”