Minutes of SSAGC MTG.
Date/Time: Aug. 29, 2024, 4:00 PM, ET
Format: virtual with Zoom
Present:
Bruce Young, Chairman
Ron Reddam, Vice Chairman
Jim McEwen, Director of Communications
John Richmond, Director at Large
Doug Mitchell, Director at Large
Pam Spence, Director at Large
Linda Kirwin, Director of Marketing
Denis Hamel
Elizabeth Pease
Cheryl Beattie
Dianne Deans
June Hawkins
Denys Bolanos
Wanda Lynch
Tom Edsall
Nathan Galusha
Linda Schur
Stephanie Altenhof, student working for John
Gary DeVreighs
Proceedings:
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John read the Land Acknowledgement.
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Approval of Minutes from July 25, 2024: Moved by Jim and seconded by Bruce. Minutes approved and to be distributed by Bruce. Action by Bruce.
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John introduced his student, Stephanie Altenhoff. Stephanie is currently in the final year of her Master’s Program in social work at the University of Montana. She lives in Nanaimo, BC and works as a Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of BC, where she has been for the past 1.5 years. Stephanie is also working with John as part of her Masters Placement Program.
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Dianne reported that the Canadian Stroke Conference is scheduled for November 28-29, 2024 in Calgary. See link: https://canadianstroke.ca/strokecongress/
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Dianne reported that the Glenrose Rehab Centre of Edmonton has closed.
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Bruce recently spoke with his local MLA about gaps in stroke care/ treatment/support.
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Bruce is working on the Fall Newsletter and asked for input from everyone. Action by All.
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John reported that a B.C. election is scheduled for Oct. 19 and he is advocating with existing MLA’s and candidates.
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Elizabeth reported that Saskatchewan is still identifying stroke survivors and a meeting is scheduled for next week. MODC is assisting!
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Bruce reported that Pam is attempting to schedule a follow up virtual meeting with staff of Federal Health Minister Mark Holland’s Office. Action by Pam.
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Jim reported that a petition is circulating in Ontario to require the Ford government to commit to a rollout date for the new Post-stroke Rehabilitation Program for Survivors of All AGES. If anyone wants the petition, email Jim at jdmcewen@rogers.com
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Linda Kirwin is working with the Stroke Research Department of the University of Toronto. Linda is corresponding with a PhD degree Candidate student at Waterloo University who is looking for 500 volunteer stroke survivors under age 50 for a study.
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Linda is exploring a Coffee fundraising program and other fundraising opportunities.
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Linda Kirwin is planning to meet with her local MP and MPP to discuss healthcare treatment challenges in Ontario. Action by Linda.
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John is proceeding to register SSAGC with the federal government as a non-profit organization. Waiting for approval of our name!
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Denys talked about the studies she participates in and the challenges of returning to work.
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Ron recently attended a European Stroke Organization Conference via virtual format.
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Pam met with MODC to discuss SSAGC initiatives.
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Ron reported that a stroke recovery group is forming in Ottawa. Jim noted that this initiative has taken many years.
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Bruce to arrange a guest speaker for September’s meeting. Action by Bruce.
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Pam reported that a virtual meeting is planned for Sept. 19 with Ontario Health to be apprised of the status of Ontario’s new Post-stroke Rehabilitation Program for Survivors of ALL AGES. Action by Pam, Ron and Jim.
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Pam is attempting to schedule a meeting with Ontario Premier Ford and Health Minister Jones. Action by Pam.
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Pam is investigating the Australia model of stroke care/rehab. Pam to report later. Action by Pam.
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Wanda is promoting our Group in Newfoundland and will contact Memorial University of St. Johns to inquire about stroke research. Action by Wanda.
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John to schedule a Zoom meeting with Pam, Elizabeth and Stephanie to discuss National Advocacy. Action by John.
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Next SSAGC Meeting scheduled for September 26, 4:00 PM, ET.
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Meeting adjourned at 5:50 PM, ET.
Minutes prepared by Jim McEwen, Director of Communications, SSAGC