Media Releases

NEWS RELEASE
March 14, 2006

Mayor Donates to the “Every Life Counts” Campaign

Chatham-Kent, ON – Chatham-Kent Mayor Diane Gagner, and her husband, Dan demonstrated their support by donating $1000 to the Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign.

“We are facing a significant physician shortage that directly or indirectly affects every citizen in our community. This campaign offers a key opportunity to support the physician recruitment efforts needed to improve the doctor-patient ratio in Chatham-Kent for today, and for future generations”, emphasized Mayor Gagner.

“We must keep in mind the considerable gains made by local recruiters this past year and look forward to successfully recruiting and retaining physicians for many years to come”, stated Mayor Gagner.

The Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign is a joint effort between the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee and the Rotary Club of Wallaceburg.

“The Mayor and her husband’s donation demonstrates leadership in ensuring that we meet our goal”, stated Greg Hetherington, Co-Chair, Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign.

The goal of this campaign is to raise $2.7 million to support the recruitment of 19 family physicians and nine specialists urgently needed in our community.

“Currently, there are approximately 20,000 residents in our community without a family doctor,” stated Michele Grzebien, Executive Director with the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance who is leading the campaign. “It is crucial that all citizens of Chatham-Kent have access to quality health care, especially a family physician.”

The Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign
Cabinet is comprised of volunteers: Honourary Chair, Shae Lynn Bourne; Co-Chairs, Greg Hetherington & Dr. Peter MacKinnon; Physician Co-Chairs, Dr. Jason Denys & Dr. Dean Matsusaki; Community Co-Chairs Brian Slack & Chip Gordon (North Kent); Dr. Ron Allingham & Dr. Michael McLauchlin (Blenheim); Diane Dozois & Dianne Phelps (Tilbury); Ken Richmond & Bob Wilson (Ridgetown); CKPRRC Chair, Elinor Mifflin; Kristen Williams, CKPRRC; and Michele Grzebien, Executive Director, Foundation of CKHA.

“We’re excited about the support that we have already received from citizens and community committees across Chatham-Kent and look forward to continued support,” noted Dr. Peter MacKinnon, Co-Chair, Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign.

To date, the campaign has received contributions from various individual and corporate donors totalling $480,000. To allow citizens an opportunity to directly support the campaign, the Foundation conducted a direct mail-out to all Chatham-Kent residents. Due to a generous donation made by Peck Signs, an Every Life Counts status billboard will be erected on the front grounds of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s Grand Ave. and Sydenham campuses for the public to view the ongoing campaign status.

The Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is a registered charity. Its primary purpose is to enhance the quality of health care available to the citizens of Chatham-Kent by raising funds and other resources in support of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Visit www.foundationckha.com for more information on the Every Life Counts, Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment Fundraising Campaign.

Media Contact:
Michele Grzebien, Executive Director
Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
(519) 380-2859

A photo of the Mayor’s donation is available upon request by calling 436-2538 ext. 2218.