Healthcare & EMS

Health care falls under the Government of Alberta’s jurisdiction, and Cochrane is advocating for better emergency medical services (EMS), 24-hour urgent care, and more local doctors.

The Government of Alberta is actively working on health care reform, and officials want to hear from us. As Cochranites, we care deeply about our medical services, and we need to ensure the Government of Alberta understands our needs.

What Cochrane has done

Cochrane is working with the Community Health Centre to better understand the services offered and needs of residents, including whether 24-hour urgent care is needed or sustainable.

We will continue to press provincial partners for improved local healthcare access and EMS, with ongoing meetings to advance information sharing and, where needed, solutions.

In 2023, Cochrane Council approved an upgrade to fire services, expanding from emergency medical responder to full-scope basic life support at the primary care paramedical level. Despite emergency medical services being a provincial responsibility, Cochrane is funding this enhancement to better support residents in critical situations.

What we need from the Government of Alberta

We are asking the Government of Alberta to address critical gaps in health care access and infrastructure by:

collaborating with municipalities to develop a plan to improve the delivery and performance of the ambulance system; this plan must recognize and fairly compensate municipalities for their role in the provincial health care system
ensuring all Albertans have timely access to emergency medical services
guaranteeing 24/7 urgent care and associated staffing in Cochrane
implementing effective methods to attract and retain physicians in rural areas
growing health care capacity by educating and training more health care workers, specifically for rural communities

Help us share Cochrane’s story

While the Town 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.

How you can help

Send an email advocating for solutions to address critical gaps in health care access and infrastructure

Advocate for health care and EMS reform in our community by emailing government officials.

Premier Danielle Smith

Minister Adriana LaGrande, Primary and Preventative Health Services

Need a starting point?

Use this sample email as is or make it your own by including your own experiences.

Sample email advocating for health care and EMS reform in Cochrane

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.

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Ask questions & engage with officials

You can help move Cochrane’s priorities forward by asking provincial representatives about the projects and issues that matter most to our community. Your questions and engagement help raise awareness and encourage continued action.

Sample questions

What is the Government of Alberta 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 Government of Alberta plan to collaborate with municipalities to develop and implement improvements to the ambulance system?

What measures is the Government of Alberta 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 Government of Alberta intend to effectively attract and retain physicians in municipalities like Cochrane?

What strategies is the Government of Alberta 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.

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