WHEREAS many rural municipalities are involved in supporting the delivery of health care services in their community; and
WHEREAS health care co-operatives can provide responsive, cost-effective and quality health care services;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request the Government of Alberta to adopt a strategy to support the establishment of health care co-ops to be used to better serve rural residents in the overall delivery of health services.
Health care co-ops cannot impose conditions on services governed by the Canada Health Act, but they can work to improve access to these services and provide services not covered by the Act. Health co-ops are focused on preventative health care and education and work to empower individuals to take control of their own health and well-being.
Co-operative healthcare has been well established in Canada for over 50 years, addressing the social determinants of health in response to the unique wellness and health needs of individual and communities. They are care-effective, efficient, community-based, member-controlled and values-driven. They provide outstanding services. Health care co-ops are productive, fiscally responsible and socially necessary, as they address the social determinants of health in their communities. They can assist communities and the Government of Alberta in making effective use of health care dollars that are more responsive to local needs.
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.