September 24, 2009 – The Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Clarington resident Evelyn Fisher to its national Board of Directors.

“Evelyn Fisher is well-known for her passion and commitment to health care and community issues,” says Joan Lesmond, executive director of the SEHC Foundation. “We are delighted to welcome her to our Board and look forward to her contribution.”

Ms. Fisher is an active member of Lions Clubs International and the Secretary of the Lions Club of Courtice. She is also a volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association. Reflecting on her interest in joining the SEHC Foundation Board of Directors, Ms. Fisher notes: “I believe all citizens of Ontario should have access to the level of quality home care that Saint Elizabeth is known for.”

The SEHC Foundation has played an active role in supporting the need for increased resources in the area of informal caregiving. “With over three million Canadians now caring for an elderly, chronically ill or dying relative at home, the pressures are increasingly taking a toll on the physical, emotional and financial health of families,” says Dr. Lesmond.

Through its signature Caregiver Support Program, the Foundation provides essential care and resources to these overburdened family caregivers. To date, it has provided more than 38,000 hours of charitable respite care free of charge to families in need.

In May 2009, the Foundation received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Ontario Palliative Care Association in recognition of its record of exceptional generosity of financial support, outstanding civic and philanthropic leadership in the true spirit of hospice palliative care in Ontario.

Other programs supported by the Foundation include Building Bridges to Better Health, a chronic disease self-management program that assists people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease, to more effectively manage their conditions and take a active role in their health and wellbeing.

For a complete list of the Foundations programs or to make a donation, please visit their website at www.saintelizabeth.com.

ABOUT SAINT ELIZABETH HEALTH CARE
Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been an active participant in the development and delivery of community health care since 1908. Today, an award-winning organization and not-for-profit charitable leader, Saint Elizabeth Health Care employs more than 4,000 multidisciplinary staff, shares its knowledge nationally and internationally through consultation, knowledge exchange products and services, and delivers 3.8 million healthcare visits a year.

ABOUT SAINT ELIZABETH HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION
To help lead community health care into the 21st century, Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the advancement of knowledge and charitable initiatives in home and community care. We are especially interested in funding and promoting programs that assist individuals and families in maximizing their health and quality of life.

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For more information, please contact:
Victoria Conroy, SEHC Communications
(905) 968-6526 or victoriaconroy@saintelizabeth.com