On December 11, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Kalyna Country Primary Care Network (PCN) at Unit C, 5008 - 51 Ave in Vermilion. The event also marked the launch of two new private practices within the clinic: L.A. Health, a practice led by Nurse Practitioner Lynette Adamson, and Inner Strength Wellness Therapy, a counseling service founded by Canadian Certified Counsellor Vanessa Boe. These new services aim to support the health and well-being of Vermilion residents and the surrounding community.
The new PCN location, under the umbrella of Alberta Health, provides a wide array of primary health care services. These include Chronic Disease Management, Nutritional Support, Behavioral Health Consultation, a Pain Clinic, Geriatric Assessment, a Youth Wellness Clinic, a Community Support Navigator, a Well Women Clinic, and Group Programs. Many of these services can be accessed through self-referral or physician referral, ensuring greater flexibility and accessibility.
Brian Match, Executive Director of the Kalyna Country PCN, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees, including Town Councillors Robert Pulyk, Kevin Martin, and Kirby Whitlock. He began by recognizing that the event took place on Treaty 6 territory, a historic meeting ground for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux peoples.
Doreen McRobert, constituency assistant for MLA Garth Rowswell, expressed MLA Rowswell’s disappointment at being unable to attend. “I bring greetings on behalf of my colleagues at the Alberta Legislature, and Premier Danielle Smith,” read McRobert. She highlighted the impact of the new Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program, a government-funded initiative designed to increase the presence of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Alberta’s healthcare system. This program supports NPs in opening their own clinics or joining established ones by providing direct reimbursement.
McRobert also read from MLA Rowswell’s prepared speech: “Congratulations on opening the first-ever Nurse Practitioner Clinic in Vermilion. Here in Vermilion, when previously facing doctor shortages, Nurse Practitioners became an invaluable resource for the region. The process of implementing the alternative plan for the NP-led and PCN-based clinics was expected to take 10 to 15 years, but I am so pleased to have this, and other NP clinics, open around the province in just four short years.”
Councillor Kirby Whitlock, who serves on the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, also spoke, welcoming the new clinics and their practitioners to the community.
Brian Match described the day as a significant milestone for the Kalyna Country PCN. “Our new location allows us to continue providing and increasing the high-quality health services and care that our community has come to rely on. This move is not just about a new building; it represents our commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and improving patient outcomes,” he stated.
He introduced the private practices of Nurse Practitioner Lynette Adamson and Canadian Certified Counsellor Vanessa Boe, adding, “I am excited to announce that along with our existing PCN health services, we are introducing two new private practices within our clinic. These additions are a testament to our ongoing efforts to expand and diversify the services we offer, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our patients.”
Match also thanked everyone involved in making the day possible, acknowledging the contributions of staff, healthcare providers, partners, and community members. “Your support and hard work have been invaluable. I would also like to express our gratitude to Garth Rowswell, our MLA, and the Alberta Government for their unwavering support of this clinic. Their efforts have been instrumental in improving access to healthcare providers for our community and the surrounding area,” he said.
The event concluded with refreshments provided by the Co-op Pharmacy. “A special thank you goes to the Co-op Pharmacy for generously supplying the delicious donuts and coffee we are enjoying today. Your support is greatly appreciated and adds a warm touch to our celebration,” Match added.
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