Oyen & District Health Care Foundation - Enhancing Health Care for Over 25 Years

Established in 1995 as Oyen Hospital Foundation, notification was received April 1, 1996, to officially be renamed Oyen & District Health Care Foundation attaining charitable government status.

There have been many dedicated trustees over the years, and it is important to focus on what these individuals have done collectively. Approximately $1,045,800 have funded various projects and pieces of equipment in both Big Country Hospital and Community Health Services. Careful consideration was given to each request presented to the board to ensure that the lives of patients, clients, residents, staff and physicians would benefit.

Although all the purchases are very important and too numerous to mention, some of the most noteworthy include:

• The creation of a courtyard for the enjoyment of the LTC residents and their families.

• Duet bikes for the therapeutic recreation biking program.

• Furnishing of a palliative care suite.

• Susie Q Hot Meal Carts to enhance meal delivery and resident satisfaction.

Currently, revenue is received through an annual fall mail-out campaign, memorial and general donations, casinos, and an AHS organized staff lottery. Generous support is also welcomed from many community services clubs helping to purchase numerous beds, oxygen concentrators and stretchers, just to name a few. It should also be noted that all administrative costs are covered by a grant from AHS and do not come out of donations.

Photo: A beautifully serene landscape scene adorns a memorial wall in the entry of Big Country Hospital. Dating back to April 1, 1996, each person on this wall has had a donation made in their memory. No set amount is needed to have a name on the wall, which was created and is maintained through a grant from AHS. Tax deductible donations are always welcome and can be mailed to Box 1, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0, by e-transfer at oyenhealthfoundation@outlook.com or in-person at the front office of Big Country Hospital 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday to Friday.