Pass asked to back regional heart care campaign

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is asking Crowsnest Pass council to help advance plans for expanded cardiac care in southern Alberta, saying residents continue to face higher cardiovascular risks while travelling long distances for treatment.

Crystal Elliott, chief executive officer of the foundation, presented the Bringing Hearts Home campaign to council June 23, outlining the need for a comprehensive Southern Alberta Cardiac Centre of Excellence at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

Elliott said heart disease is the second leading cause of death nationally but is the leading cause of death in southern Alberta, where residents experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease and longer travel times to receive specialized care.

She said people living in southern Alberta have about a 30 per cent greater chance of dying from heart disease and are approximately 15.5 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack than people elsewhere in Alberta.

Patients from Crowsnest Pass also face lengthy travel for appointments.

Foundation data showed Crowsnest Pass residents made 318 outpatient cardiac clinic visits to Lethbridge during 2025, along with another 22 visits to Pincher Creek. Elk Valley residents recorded an additional 21 visits to Lethbridge and one to Pincher Creek.

Elliott said those numbers represent ongoing monitoring, follow-up appointments and diagnostic testing rather than emergency transfers.

“It matters because it shows us that cardiac care is not a one-time event,” she said. “It’s actually, for many patients, repeated and repeated many times over.”

The proposed cardiac centre would expand cardiac diagnostics, catheterization laboratories, electrophysiology services, intensive care capacity, advanced imaging and long-term monitoring while integrating services throughout southern Alberta.

Elliott said the Alberta government committed $59 million over the next three years through Budget 2026 toward the estimated $445 million project, while community fundraising has reached $28.8 million.

She said the project has already completed functional planning and entered the design phase, with procurement underway for project management.

To help maintain momentum, the foundation is asking municipalities to contribute between $5 and $10 per resident toward the fundraising campaign and to send letters to local MLAs supporting continued provincial investment.

Councillor Dean Ward asked whether the province was expected to fund the remainder of the project beyond its current commitment.

Elliott said that is the expectation, adding the advocacy campaign is intended to help ensure future provincial budgets continue funding the project.

Ward also asked whether other municipalities had pledged support.

Elliott said Pincher Creek, the Municipal District of Pincher Creek, Willow Creek and Cardston County had all committed support in various forms, while discussions with Elk Valley Resources were ongoing.

Councillor Tony Vastenhout asked whether any physical improvements would occur at the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre.

Elliott said the local hospital has already benefited through expanded Holter monitor capability and that future virtual cardiac care is expected to strengthen connections between rural hospitals and specialists in Lethbridge.

However, she said no physical expansion is planned for the local facility as part of the project.

Councillor Colleen MacDonald noted council had not received a draft advocacy letter.

Elliott said one would be forwarded to administration.

Ward suggested administration bring the request back during the municipality’s 2027 budget discussions, noting council could consider both a financial contribution and advocacy at that time.

No funding decision was made during the meeting.