Island Health is now running its Step Up Youth program in Alert Bay and Port McNeill through a partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation.
The program offers volunteer opportunities in healthcare for youth aged 15 – 18 at select Island Health hospitals and long-term care homes.
According to Island Health, volunteers will attend weekly shifts and participate in a monthly guest speaker series, teaching them about careers in healthcare and their impact on the experience of patients, residents and staff.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to offer the Step Up Youth Volunteer Program in these communities, so this expansion is really exciting,” said Erin Henneberry, youth program
leader, volunteer engagement with Island Health. “For youth who think they may be interested in healthcare, joining our program is a great way to be able to see themselves
in this type of career path.”
Island Health says the partnership with ‘Namgis First Nation began thanks to ‘Namgis member Laura Cranmer, who inquired about the possibility of offering the program in Alert Bay – as a result, Cormorant Island Health Centre and Port McNeill Hospital were both added as sites accepting youth volunteers.
Youth in these communities interested in the Step Up program can apply now to begin volunteering this October.
