What happens when an association achieves the goals members set out?
That’s the question Sun Peaks Health Association (SPHA) wants to answer at its next annual general meeting (AGM) April 3. The purposes of SPHA are to manage the first responders program for the area, fundraise to equip Sun Peaks Community Health Centre (SPCHC) and manage the health clinic.
All of these purposes are complete, and because Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) manages SPCHC, board members say the association is deciding whether to shut its doors for good—unless other community members decide to use the association as a vehicle for a new healthcare vision for Sun Peaks.
Board member Mario Pozza was one of the founding members of SPHA in 1999. While many people contributed to the association’s success over the years, he recalled the organization starting with the vision of local physician John Gossage.
“He actually drew up an initial vision statement for getting a health centre… it’s not quite to the level that he wanted, but it certainly provides the services to the community,” Pozza explained
As previously reported by SPIN, Gossage frequently received calls from people needing medical care, but he was retired, and so was his medical license. So began a dream that was taken up by SPHC, and even though Gossage passed away in 1999, his vision lived on.
Today, the clinic provides urgent care services, is equipped with ambulance bays and is a non-profit, operated by Kamloops-based STEPS.
Board member and physician Chip Bantock said the ability to attract and retain doctors in spite of a massive primary care physician shortage in Canada was one of the successes of the association.
A 2023 study by Angus Reid and the Canadian Medical Association showed that 19 per cent of Canadians don’t have a family physician, and 29 per cent struggle to get an appointment with their doctor.
A new vision?
Since STEPS took over operating the clinic, board members will either end the association at their AGM or pass the torch to new members who come prepared with a new purpose.
“It’s time for somebody else who has a new vision, and [if] they’re enthused about it, then this is an opportunity to go forward with some of the legwork being done,” Pozza said.
SPHA’s bylaws would need a re-write, and once a new purpose is determined, the group would have to apply again for charitable status. If the purpose is suitable, it will maintain its status and can continue to fundraise to meet new goals.
Another success and asset SPHA holds is a property, which houses physicians who come from other communities on rotation.
“Obviously, our physicians can’t work seven days a week,” Pozza said. “Physicians come up on the weekend when those rooms are hard to get and at Christmas time when it’s impossible to get. It’s an essential part of the mix in order to provide those services to the community.”
Soon, the property will be gifted to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality for the express use of physicians. Transferring the property will reduce fees on the association if it continues.
A dietician by trade, board member Cathy Thibault said options for health initiatives abound, from fundraising for mental health to food security, preventative medicine like exercise or even fundraising for an adult playground.
“The idea is how do we improve the health of the entire community?” Thibault said.
Another reason the association would close if no one takes over is the overall costs of running the association.
“Even when we’re not doing much, it costs money,” Pozza explained. “We have to have books prepared and accountants. We end up having to do fundraising just to continue existing. Raising funds that are intended for healthcare for non-healthcare purposes doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
Anyone interested in joining the board is welcome to the AGM on April 3 at 6 p.m. in Sun Peaks Centre but should contact SPHA ahead of time atsunpha2024@gmail.com.
“If somebody else has a purpose and a drive, then we’ve got a vehicle that will help them get there,” Pozza said.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you.
