January 18, 2024
The Brenda Strafford Foundation's Chief Social Impact Officer, Kevin Melanson (left) and CEO, Tony Weeks (right), visit with Ministry of Health and Wellness staff at the Trafalgar Health Centre as they showcase a plaque that acknowledges the history of the centre. The Trafalgar Health Centre was established in 1989 with support from BSF, and is operated and managed by the Government of Dominica.
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF), we provide and support a variety of health care services and medical clinics to enhance the health, wellness and quality of life of those in need in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominica.
For nearly four decades, we have collaborated with the local government in Dominica, contributing to the development and sustainability of the health system.
Situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is a compact, mountainous island, spanning 25 km in width and 50 km in length - roughly the distance between BSF’s Bow View Manor in Calgary’s Montgomery community and BSF’s Tudor Manor in Okotoks!
Dominica has a population of about 70,000 people, and English serves as their official language. The country ranks 102 of 192 countries on the United Nations’ Human Development Index, which measures countries progress in areas of health, economy, and education. In comparison, Canada ranks 15th.
BSF’s collaboration with Dominica’s government began shortly after Dominica’s independence in 1978. This collaboration has been driven by our philosophy: The Preservation of Dignity and The Pursuit of Happiness.
Between 1985 and 2000, four community health centers were built through this partnership and helped Dominica’s efforts to ensure all its citizens had access to a health centre in their community. Today, Dominica boasts more than 50 such health centres.
Now, these four health centres built through our partnership are fully owned and operated by the Government of Dominica. They stand as a compelling example of how foreign aid, when appropriately provided and sustained through partnership can evolve into long-lasting development.
Our Chief Social Impact Officer, Kevin Melanson, and CEO, Tony Weeks, recently visited Dominica. As they toured the facilities, they were moved by the palpable compassion and commitment to excellence displayed by healthcare professionals and support staff, resonating with the values of the BSF and highlighting our shared humanity across this world.
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, our vision is to create a future where people can live life to the fullest, with dignity, hope and happiness — in caring and supportive communities. We are committed to helping those in need, both locally and globally, and look forward to the future of our international healthcare programs.
For more information about our international healthcare programs, visit thebsf.ca/international-health.html
