Janet Nita
Connolly - Atlin
![Click on image for full-size version](/web/20061229014400im_/http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/obc/2006/2006_JNConnolly_sm.jpg) Janet
Nita Connolly has shown unparalleled passion and leadership in the
fight for health care improvements in the small town of Atlin, near
the Yukon border, in northwest British Columbia. She has been instrumental
in spear-heading projects to benefit her community, bringing together
groups of volunteers to address the various challenges facing the
residents of the town.
Mrs. Connolly
is a founder of the Atlin Supportive Living Society, which evolved
out of the recognition of a growing demand for seniors' services.
The Society endeavoured to work with all levels of government to
ensure these demands would be addressed, and organized enough funding
to open a palliative care facility in the town. They also raised
funds to provide necessary equipment for the facility, and helped
organize a meals-on-wheels service through the Supportive Living
Program. These efforts have enabled seniors to remain close to family
and community, instead of travelling long distances to provincial
care facilities in southern BC.
Mrs. Connolly
has also extended her efforts to ensure equal access to health care
and pharmaceutical prescriptions for Atlin residents who must travel
to long-term care facilities in the Yukon. She played a fundamental
role in obtaining a Memorandum of Understanding between the BC and
Yukon governments to address health care provisions. Along with
her advocacy work, Janet Connolly is a dedicated teacher at the
Atlin School, and has recently completed a Home Support Attendant
program to expand her knowledge and care-giving skills in the health
profession.
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