Janice Perrino, Executive Director for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation was invited to speak to members of the Royal Purple at the Elks Hall on Dec.8 in Keremeos.
Perrino spoke to a small group about the impact of an aging demographic on the region and its health services. She noted that 42.7 per cent of the population of the Keremeos area are over 65 years of age, and places like Keremeos are likely to feel the pressure of growth because of the community’ s ample medical services.
“The critical period is now until 2050, after which the need for medical services will begin to decline,” she said during a powerpoint presentation.
“There are two stages in life that cost health care,” she told the group, explaining that pressure on the health system was most prominent in the first year of life, and then again after age 50, with the highest individual costs taking place in the final two years of an individual’s life.
Perrino explained the SOSMF’s mission to fundraise for equipment upgrades for the Penticton Regional Hospital. Funds raised also go to provide patient comforts and staff education.
The foundation’s campaign this year is to raise funds for cancer diagnostic equipment.
Perrino encouraged those gathered to donate to the foundation based on the ever present need to upgrade and acquire the latest and best of medical equipment for the region.