Feature - Meet Doug Emek

We at Taber & District Health Foundation are thrilled to feature board member, Doug Emek. Doug has an extensive background as the General Manager of Rogers Sugar in Taber, putting the health and safety of his employees as his one priority. His expertise and enthusiasm are invaluable to our organization as we continue our mission of supporting important health initiatives in Taber and surrounding areas.

As Doug, a member of the Taber & District Health Foundation board, explains, “By enhancing health care in our community, the board was helping to ensure that our employees had access to the best care possible when they needed it, either when they were at home, or when they were at work.  And obviously, the work of the board benefits all of the residents of our town, which was also very important to me personally as a citizen of Taber. 

I think my most rewarding experience has been to see how much the equipment we have funded (or upgrades we have completed) has been appreciated by the residents of Taber and the surrounding area.  Our mandate is to enhance health care and I believe we have been very successful in doing just that."

As we look to the future, it is crucial that we continue to support and invest in the healthcare needs of our community. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone, from employees to residents, has access to the best care possible. As Doug notes, the work of the foundation benefits the entire town, making it a vital resource for all.

The Taber & District Health Foundation is more than just a charity organization - it is a community of people who share a common vision of improving health care and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Blizzard Treat Day - 2023 Wrap Up

The Foundation is excited to announce that the proceeds totalling $4,300 from Dairy Queen Blizzard Treat Day will be directed toward the Taber Health Centre's acquisition of a Clintek Diagnostic Tool for Emergency Room/Acute Care.

This state-of-the-art diagnostic tool will greatly enhance our hospital's emergency department and acute care services, allowing us to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatments for our patients. Investing in this technology is an investment in the health and well-being of our community, and we are grateful for all the support we have received thus far to make this project a reality. We look forward to seeing how this tool will positively impact the lives of those we serve.

Learn more about Foundation news and events by:

Subscribing to the Health Foundation News Flash 

Following @tdhf on Instagram and Facebook 

McHappy Day: Supporting Children's Health in our Community

McHappy Day is an annual fundraiser that supports children's health across Canada. Every year on the first Wednesday of May, McDonald's restaurants across the country donate a portion of their proceeds to local children's hospitals, including the Taber & District Health Foundation. Your support for McHappy Day raised $10,820.00 this year!

At the Taber & District Health Foundation, we are proud to be a part of this incredible initiative. The funds raised on McHappy Day go directly towards supporting children and families in our community to access vital health services. This year, funds will be used to purchase a specialized children’s treadmill and therapy equipment for children that utilize the services of Allied Health Services at the Taber Health Centre. These new resources (including books, games, puzzles, feeding supplies, toys, equipment, and play structures) will make play-based therapy sessions more engaging for both the children and their families we connect with, and provide a much broader range of environments for those children to learn, develop, and succeed in.

We would like to thank McDonald's and the community for their ongoing support of this important cause. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can continue to support the health and well-being of our community's children.

Mark your calendars for the first Wednesday of May and join us in supporting McHappy Day. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in our community!

Feature - Meet Amanda Kimoto

Amanda Kimoto has been a valued member of our Board for the last two years and the Foundation appreciates all her work, input and effort in benefitting the healthcare community. Here are her sentiments regarding the Foundation and healthcare:

I joined the board two years ago shortly after the previous Clinic Manager, Mike Brand retired.  Mike had been on the TDHF board for many years and he was always sharing the great work the Board was doing for the healthcare in our community. 

When I was approached regarding taking his place on the board, I was honoured.  As a registered nurse, I feel that I can bring a unique perspective as a front-line healthcare worker. 

I see patients on a daily basis and can often see firsthand both the gaps in care as well as the amazing benefits that stem from the work of the foundation.  It has been so rewarding to be on the board of the Taber & District Health Foundation. 

Feature - Meet Tamara Miyanaga

Tamara Miyanaga has served on the Foundation’s Board for 8 years. She is a passionate volunteer and contributor to her community. The following are her sentiments about the impact your donations make to the Foundation and the fantastic healthcare workers at the Taber Health Centre:

It has been my privilege to serve on the Board for 8 years. It is a diverse group with the interest of our community’s health and well-being front of mind. 

Taber & District is fortunate to have an excellent hospital and senior facilities.  I am proud to work with the Board and our strong donor base to raise funds, to ensure the community has access to optimum facilities and treatment. Each dollar raised through events or memorial dollars is evaluated to ensure the greatest return. 

I am grateful to work with nonprofits like the Kiwanis Club and their golf tournament, to raise specific project awareness and funds. Over the years the golf tournament has raised $ 435,670.00.

The Board appreciates your families’ feedback on how our facilities and treatments can be improved, by an item or upgrade. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Feature - Meet Joely Megyes

This month, the Foundation will be featuring Joely Megyes. Joely joined the Foundation in 2016 and is a valued member of our Board. Below is a little history about Joely, her expertise and why being on the Board is important to her:

I was approached by Dave McKee, the then Fundraising Coordinator, to join the Board of the Taber & District Health Foundation and I became a Board Trustee on September 1, 2016.

Bringing over 20 years as a business owner and currently working in Human Resources at the Horizon School Division in our community, it has been a very rewarding experience to be involved in the Taber & District Health Foundation. As a Board, we see what a difference we have made, and continue to make, in the lives of so many people in our community through equipment purchases and donations that have been made.

Thank you to everyone in our community for supporting the Taber & District Health Foundation and my fellow board members that I am honoured to work with.

For more on the Foundation Board and volunteer opportunities click here.

Feature - Meet the Board

Welcome to a new monthly feature where the Foundation will spotlight a member from the Board of Trustees. These are the people that help to maintain and enhance hospital care and other health care initiatives in Taber, Barnwell, Grassy Lake, Enchant, Hays, M.D. of Taber and Vauxhall. 

This month we are featuring the Foundation’s Chairperson, Kelly Barany. Kelly joined the board in July 2017 and here are her sentiments regarding the Foundation, community and healthcare:

I really believe that the Taber and District Health Foundation makes a big difference in the lives of people in our community.  So, when I was invited to join the board, I felt honored and was excited about being involved.  Over the years, the Foundation has made significant donations in equipment, technology and enhancements to the Taber Hospital and Senior care centers.  These items would not have been bought without the help of the Foundation.  All of us are going to need access to health care for ourselves or for our loved ones at some point in the future, so the Foundation’s work impacts all of us.

 I think the most rewarding thing about being on the board is seeing some of the equipment we have purchased firsthand and hearing about how it has made a difference in the lives of patients.  I also enjoy working with the board because they are an excellent group and very dedicated to making sure the Foundation funds the equipment that will have the greatest impact on health care in the community.

Kiwanis Club of Taber Supports TDHF

The Kiwanis Club of Taber and District has partnered with the Taber and District Health Foundation for 26 years and supported the Foundation through its annual golf tournament.

The 26th annual Kiwanis Golf tournament raised $38,237.73 to support three new stretchers for the Emergency Department at the Taber Health Centre thus increasing the patient capacity in that area as well as the number of beds on site.  Two stretchers will include weight scales, which are important in determining the amount of medication needed by patients.  It is also very important to know in case a patient needs to be taken by STARS as the helicopters can only hold so much weight.  The third stretcher includes an alarm to alert staff of a fall or should a patient leave without notifying staff.  This is especially important for dementia patients.

Quote from Site Manager, Sarah Jordan “The stretchers purchased for the emergency department at the Taber Health Centre are going to go a long way in increasing patient care and comfort. The ability to weigh patients while in a bed improves the efficiency of care and provides comfort to patients who are unwell and/or have mobility issues which makes standing on a scale difficult. The automatic component of the stretchers is ergonomically better for staff and a smoother ride for the patient as well. Thank you so much for your continued support of our site as it means so much to myself, the staff and the patients here at the Taber Health centre!”

A huge thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Taber and District and all the local sponsors and volunteers for supporting the Health Foundation for all these years and for making the event a huge success.  We are stronger because of you!

We look forward to next year’s event, SAVE the DATE: 27th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament June 8, 2023

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash for more updates.

2022 Stewart Genes Scholarship Recipients

The Foundation is happy to announce the two recipients of the 2022 Stewart Genes Scholarships are Reagan Speer (pictured left) and Kassidy Virostek (pictured right).

Reagan was born and raised in Taber and is currently in her first year of the Bachelor of Nursing program at Lethbridge College. "Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something that involved helping people," states Speer, " I feel that nursing is a career with so much reward and fulfillment."

Kassidy is a recent graduate of W.R Meyers High School in Taber. She will start her first year in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Medicine Hat College. Virostek states, "I decided to take nursing because nurses do much for our healthcare system. I wanted to give back to our community and patients by being an RN."

Congratulations to these aspiring nurses and we wish them all the best with their studies this year. The Stewart Genes Scholarship is funded in partnership with the Taber and District Foundation and provides financial assistance to those who are pursuing a post-secondary career in medical, nursing, or health sciences. Our hope is to relieve some of the financial pressure post-secondary can have on students and to encourage healthcare studies.

Midwife assisted water immersion births now available at Taber Health Centre

TABER — Expecting patients accessing midwifery services in Taber, Alberta now have the option of midwife supported water immersion births at the Taber Health Centre.

Registered Midwives have been able to support deliveries at the health centre since December 2020. With the addition of water immersion facilities and additional staff training, the Taber Health Centre became the first site in Alberta Health Services South Zone to offer the midwife supported service in early August.

Dr. Aaron Low, Chief Zone Medical Director, says more patients and families are requesting water immersion to help manage pain during labour and birth.

“It’s great to see our teams work collaboratively to provide options and excellent care to our maternity patients,” says Dr. Low. “No matter where you receive care in the South Zone, our focus is on ensuring families feel safe and supported before, during and after labour.”

Water immersion means at least part of labour or delivery, or both, happens in a pool of warm water. It has long been a common practice for Registered Midwives and their clients in communities.

Registered Midwife Stacy Peleskey says about half of her clients request a water birth for reasons such as pain relief, support or comfort, but it has been previously limited to home settings

“Some clients may feel safer delivering at the hospital,” says Peleskey, a former Registered Nurse at the Taber Health Centre. “Now clients won’t be losing that option of having a water birth whether they are delivering at home or in hospital.”

Yolanda Fehr was the first patient to utilize the new equipment. After some challenges during her first child’s birth, she chose a midwife to support her after hearing about the different techniques they use to help cope with pain, including water immersion. 

“We weren't sure we would like to do it at home, because I lost quite a bit of blood with my first,” said Fehr. “Then it just happened that we had the privilege, that Taber Health Centre now had the pool and we could try (water immersion in hospital), because we weren’t quite comfortable doing it at home.”

Midwife supported patients who meet safety criteria are able to use the sanitary immersion pool equipment on site. The AHS Water Immersion During Labour and Birth Policy and Guideline, approved in 2020, provides guidance to support this practice safely.

“As the first site in the South Zone to offer water immersion in hospital as an option for clients of Registered Midwives, our health care team is pleased to support patients and midwives in its implementation,” says Andrea Hargrove, Community Medical Director for Taber Health Centre. 

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Thanks to the support of donors, the Taber and District Health Foundation funded the $3,000 cost to purchase the equipment and supplies needed for water immersion births. With the support of the Provincial Midwifery Administrative Office, healthcare staff have been working on implementation for the past year, purchasing equipment, ensuring safe and sanitary practices, and training nursing staff.

There are currently 11 Registered Midwives in AHS South Zone serving clients in Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Taber. About 6,450 Albertan families accessed care from Registered Midwives over the past year, including approximately 400 people in the South Zone. 

Registered Midwives provide a full spectrum of maternal and newborn care, from prenatal to labour and delivery, until six weeks postpartum. There are over 160 Registered Midwives providing services through staff appointments with AHS across the province. Physicians, care teams and Registered Midwives work together at sites to ensure families feel safe and supported throughout their delivery.

To inquire about water immersion births at Taber Health Centre, residents in the Taber area can request midwifery services through the Alberta Association of Midwives Request Care webpage at alberta-midwives.ca/request-care. 

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Equipment Update

A new blanket warming cabinet has been purchased for the residents in the Long Term Care unit! The 20 year old cabinet was not working effectively any longer. The residents in Long Term Care and Active Care appreciate the comfort of a warm blanket during their stay in the hospital.

Also the purchase of the TonoPen for the Emergency Department. A TonoPen is used to measure the pressure inside the eye which can cause blindness. Pressure can be caused by an eye injury or trauma and staff at the hospital have been asking for this equipment to help them at those times.

These pieces of equipment will be a great improvement for patients and staff. Thank YOU for supporting healthcare initiatives at the Taber Health Centre.

Grant Funding

Thank you to the Gordon and Paulette Fletcher Family Gift Fund! The TDHF received a grant from this fund that will be designated towards the greatest needs in the Taber area.

Fall Pledge Drive

Thank you #Taber and #MDofTaber for the tremendous support during the Taber & District Health Foundation's pledge week.

The Foundation greatly appreciates all the support and is excited to announce that we raised a total of $154,481. These funds will be distributed to new health equipment and programs to enhance health in our community.

2021 Stewart Genes Scholarship Recipients

"I was born and raised in a small Hamlet called Enchant. I am the youngest of three siblings and have loving and supportive parents. I'm currently in my second year of the social work diploma program at Medicine Hat College. I intend to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work after completing the diploma program."

"I am in the Bachelor of Science program with a Specialization in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. I chose this program because after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree I plan to attend medical school with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I underwent knee surgery 4 years ago and my orthopedic surgeon made the surgical experience, which is usually an unenjoyable one, into an event that I felt completely calm and less worried about."

McHappy Day September 2021

#McHappyDay raised $12,680 for the community! $9,510.23 will be designated to #TaberDHF to purchase a pediatric crash cart for the emergency department while the remaining amount will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities. We couldn't have done this without the amazing community and volunteers that came out on September 22. You all made a big difference! TaberDHF is very grateful to McDonald's for choosing us as a partner in health.

2021 Smile Cookie Week

#SmileCookie week was such a success! The Taber community demonstrated their dedication to healthcare and BEAT our personal record with 4,987 cookies sold! 100% of the proceeds come right to #TaberDHF! We appreciate all the cookie decorating volunteers and cookie-loving community members. And we are very grateful to the Taber Tim Hortons for choosing TaberDHF as their charity of choice!

25th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament

The year and a half of Covid restrictions didn’t put a damper on a great golf tournament with the Kiwanis Club and the TDHF. The event was finally held August 19th to a very happy group of golfers and volunteers.

The Kiwanis Club has raised over $457,000 over the 25 year history of the tournament to help the Foundation purchase equipment essential for the hospital such as the Endoscopy Scopes, an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor and this year funds will be used to purchase a Central Cardiac Monitor-Xhibit for the Emergency Department at the Taber Health Centre. This equipment provides centralized monitoring and alarm management for patients in the day surgery and emergency areas, making it easier to provide the best care experience for patients and their families. The cost of this system is $30,380.65.

Many thanks to the sponsors for their commitment to healthcare in Taber and the surrounding MD of Taber communities.

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New Equipment has Arrived!

New equipment has recently come onsite and the staff at the Taber Health Centre could not be happier.

“The ECG machine is important to all of our areas. We currently have only 1 machine and if it is being used on someone else we do not have one available to other areas of the hospital. As well when we have one breakdown and needing repair there are no loaners available and we would be without this very important diagnostic tool for our patients. This unit is used daily and throughout the day for many patients and it would be unfortunate if we didn’t have a second for use and backup. It would affect the health outcomes of our patients if we didn’t have access to one.” -Naylan, ER Nurse

Clearview Lodge Outdoor Sanctuary Project

TDHF is happy to support the renovations to the Clearview Lodge Inner Sanctuary. This space has been a source of enjoyment for residents for many years– from the flower gardens to the birdbaths, tranquility, and patios. The need to update this area had arrived as the loose rocks and gravel were becoming unsafe to walk on. They have been replaced by a cement block path, a pergola, artificial grass, and updated décor.

And that's a Wrap!

And that's a wrap on the Linden View Project! Thank you to the very generous donor who matched donations for the month of April/May, and the #taber and #mdoftaber community for your support in completing this project!

Linden View is ecstatic to be adding the ReJoyce and ReTouch Rehab workstations to services they can offer their residents. #supporthealthcare #ptequipment #LindenViewProject