As Cochranites, we care deeply about our medical services. While health care falls under the province’s jurisdiction, we’re uniting to advocate for better emergency medical services (EMS), 24-hour urgent care and more local doctors.
The province is actively working on health care reform, and officials want to hear from us. We need to ensure they understand Cochrane’s needs — especially the urgent need for reliable emergency medical services.
We’re calling on the province to commit to 24-hour urgent care and take action to attract and retain local doctors. Health care is a provincial responsibility, but our voices can help drive real change.
Residents, your voice matters. Help us share Cochrane’s story and talk to the Province about why they should invest in our community.
Help us share Cochrane’s story
While the Town of Cochrane advocates for our community’s needs, your voice amplifies our efforts and personalizes our priorities.
Check out the tips below for writing effective emails to our government officials, sharing information online, asking questions, and staying informed.
- focus on the facts
- be clear on the reason for your communication
- try to focus on collaboration with the Provincial government rather than being adversarial
How you can help
While the Town of Cochrane actively advocates for our community’s needs, your voice makes an even bigger impact. By speaking up, sharing information and engaging with government officials, you help ensure Cochrane’s priorities are heard loud and clear.
Take action. Send an email to government officials - Advocate for additional investment in Cochrane’s health care and EMS by emailing key decision-makers.
Need a starting point?
Share
Use social media, blogs, podcasts, or interviews to share Cochrane’s story. Add your own experiences and thoughts to make it personal and engaging.
Content inspiration:
- Tell your personal stories about the need for improved EMS, 24-hour urgent care, and the attraction and retention of local doctors.
- Ask questions of Provincial elected officials (see some suggested questions below).
- Interview a Provincial elected official about healthcare needs in Cochrane.
- Interview a Cochrane councillor or healthcare needs in Cochrane.
Ask questions
Engage with Provincial elected officials by asking questions about the advocacy priorities. Your inquiries can increase understanding and provide opportunities for dialogue.
Sample questions
What is the province doing to address concerns raised by Cochrane residents regarding health care access and emergency medical services?
Can you provide details on the health care reform initiatives currently underway and how they will impact Cochrane specifically?
How does the province plan to collaborate with municipalities to develop and implement improvements to the ambulance system?
What measures is the province considering to ensure timely access to emergency medical services for all Albertans, particularly those in rural communities like Cochrane?
Is there a timeline for guaranteeing 24/7 urgent care in Cochrane? What resources will be allocated to ensure associated staffing needs are met?
How does the province intend to effectively attract and retain physicians in municipalities like Cochrane?
What strategies is the province implementing to address the health care workforce shortage in rural communities and increase capacity through education and training programs?
Stay informed and keep the momentum going — Check back here often for updates on advocacy priorities and progress. The more informed you are, the stronger your advocacy efforts will be.
Looking for more information?
- June 2023 Fire Services Level of Service Policy Amendment
- Lights and Sirens: Critical Condition of EMS in Alberta
- Responsibility of Ambulance Service Delivery
- Recruitment and Retention of Rural and Remote Physicians
- Refocusing health care in Alberta
- Cochrane EMS Crisis Citizen Engagement Group
- Cochrane Health Foundation