Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly Gathers at Menno Place

ABBOTSFORD, BC – SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 - MENNO PLACE, one of BC's largest campuses-of-care for seniors will be host to the Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly, October 2 – 4, 2014. The Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly is a national gathering of like-minded healthcare administrators who hail from Mennonite beginnings. This year, the Assembly will gather in British Columbia. CMHA has invited other faith-based healthcare providers (administrators, physicians, nurses, care-aids and students) to join us in our gathering. The purpose is to be inspired, connected, leading and renewed in faith-based health care.

Kicking off the conference is author, Danny Unrau who will remind the participants of the "calling" that brought them into caring service for vulnerable populations. Debbie Fortnum of FarAway Music will provide an environment of worship and reflection. Other keynote speakers, Dr. Paul Chamberlain will address ethical issues in healthcare. April Yamasaki will share her approach to spiritual practices for personal renewal.

The banquet address will be given by President and CEO of Providence Health Care, Dianne Doyle. She will share her passion about Leading in Faith. Dianne has more than 25 years of senior executive experience in health care and has been in her current role at Providence Health Care since 2006.

The Assembly schedule includes a full day of sessions that address a wide spectrum of topics such as, Trends in Gerontological Nursing, Building an Effective Board Team and Chemical-Free Cleaning. Dorrie Ferster, Manager of Czorny Alzheimer Care Centre will share her story and vision of person-centered community in residential care. Dorrie was recently featured on CBC radio's The Current in an interview entitled Patient-Centered Care: Changing the Way We Treat People With Dementia. During the conference, David Lemon of Concerts in Care (www.healtharts.org) will bring a classical concert to the residents of Menno Place featuring David Gillham, violin and Chiharu Linuma, piano.

The CMHA is pleased to thank our sponsors for their participation in the conference. Rexall Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsor made it possible to provide a Nursing Track that enables gerontological nurses to participate in the conference at a reduced rate. Nestle Professional Beverages, The Light Magazine and Concerts in Care are gracious sponsors of the event providing beverages, publicity and entertainment.

About Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly
The Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly is a gathering of healthcare organizations that were founded through the Mennonite people and retain Mennonite leadership through their Boards and Executive Leaders. The CMHA has been meeting annually for more than 50 years to encourage and renew vision for faith-based health care among vulnerable populations (www.CanadianMennoniteHealthAssembly.com).


About Menno Place
Menno Place is one of BC's largest campuses-of-care providing residential care, assisted living, home support and independent living to 700 residents in 6 buildings on 11 acres. Founded in 1953 by the Mennonite Benevolent Society, we have been privileged to serve the physical, emotional, spiritual and relational needs of thousands of residents and their families. In 2013, we celebrate 60 years of providing care to such residents in our community. Our goal is to continue to provide a vibrant community built on generosity, respect, mutuality and Christian compassion. http://www.mennoplace.ca

Contact:
Sharon Simpson, Chair, CMHA 2014 Steering Committee
Director of Communications and Marketing, Menno Place
Menno Place | sharon.simpson@mennoplace.ca | 604.851.7399