Event raising awareness of blood, stem cell donation

By Rob Vogt It’s in you to give.For a long time that was the call to action to donate blood in Canada.Now, an event is being held in Stavely to renew that call and raise awareness of the need for Canadian Blood Services and stem cell donation.An old-fashioned Stavely dine and dance including a spaghetti supper will take over the … Read more

Piikani RCMP issue warning about ‘pink’ drug, seize puzzle-shaped opioids in Brocket

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter September 25, 2024 In an ongoing effort to combat drug use and ensure community safety, Piikani Nation RCMP have issued a critical warning regarding the circulation of a dangerous drug known as U-47700. Also referred to as pink, pinky or U4, the opioid has been linked to several recent overdoses and multiple deaths, Piikani … Read more

Better days lie ahead for rural health care, minister says

GEORGE LEE MACLEOD GAZETTE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE Health-care understaffing, limited access to services and reduced emergency department hours — they’re features of rural life that Albertans should not be forced to endure, the health minister acknowledged Oct. 7. But Adriana LaGrange said her government is on the case through health-care delivery restructuring and a strategic document called Rural Health Care Action Plan … Read more

Hospital receives chest compression system

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm General Hospital has received a new piece of valuable equipment that will benefit health care in the community.The LUCAS Chest Compression System arrived two weeks ago, and with staff trained last week, is already in use.Barry Arnestad, clinical nurse educator, said the new equipment is a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR device that allows nurses and doctors to … Read more

Drowning deaths more common in the summer

By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A warm day on the water can quickly become a worst nightmare in mere seconds, but mere seconds may also prevent such a catastrophe. Next week is National Drowning Prevention Week, with July 25 being recognized as World Drowning Prevention Day. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme this year for World Drowning Prevention Day … Read more

Alberta’s general surgery is at a tipping point, with lives on the line: AMA

By Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter According to a July 8 Alberta Medical Association news conference, Alberta’s general surgeons are facing increasing human resources shortages, which are limiting their ability to provide urgent, life-saving care to patients. This news conference marked the start of the AMA’s general surgery information campaign, seeking to inform the public of the issues faced in … Read more

Albertans believe health care is in crisis, survey says

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A survey of Canadians’ health care concerns reveals nearly three-quarters of Canadians think health care in their province is in a state of crisis, and the majority think governments aren’t doing enough to fix workforce shortages. The poll was commissioned by the Canadian Health Coalition ahead of the annual meeting of the 13 provincial … Read more