Following the closure of the Kalein Centre in Nelson, the Greater Trail Hospice Society will assume responsibility for the Nav-Care program throughout the West Kootenay, delivering more under its umbrella of services and expanding its reach to serve Nelson, Salmo, Nakusp and the Slocan Valley.
The pogram, which has been administered by Kalein ince 2019, matches specially trained hospice volunteers with clients who are living with a life limiting diagnosis. Each volunteer helps the client navigate the medical system, finds resources to keep them connected to their community and walks beside them through their illness.
“We’re pleased to step up in response to the increased need for help, support the West Kootenay Nav-Care program and ensure that the services they’ve been providing through this important community program will be able to continue uninterrupted,” says Brenda Hooper, chair of the Greater Trail Hospice Society, who developed the program with UBC Okanagan researcher Dr. Barb Pesut.
Under Hooper’s lead, the Trail area was the first to be part of the development of this initiative in 2012, bringing a different type of help to those living in rural areas which are typically underserved in many areas of health care.
From its roots in the Trail area, Nav-Care now stretches across Canada, is starting in six European countries and New Zealand.
To learn more about Nav-Care, or to volunteer or inquire about receiving services in Trail, call 250-368-7347 or email [email protected]
In Nelson, Salmo, Slocan Valley and Nakusp contact Erin Thompson at [email protected]
In Castlegar, contact Suzanne Lehbauer at 250-304-1266 or [email protected]