For those who came before us, who need us now, for future generations

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, yet thousands of people in our community lack it. If we don't take control of our ability to care for each other, we'll continue to face the struggles of a overburdened healthcare system.

Generations before us shaped this land with their hands. They built a community whose impact can be felt all over the world. They created a place where hard work, getting things done, and caring for the community are lifelong pursuits, and our collective strength carries this forward.

This might be daunting for some communities, but we know differently. We've seen what can accomplish together and aren't intimidated by the challenges we'll face.

Thankfully, the health of our community is now where it belongs, in our hands, because we know that protecting our neighbours and loved ones is at the core of who we are; it's happening here.

Meet our Board

Andrew Lanz-O'Brien

Dr. Lanz-O'Brien has a large, growing practice at the Chatham Kent Family Health Team, in Blenheim. He believes that change is needed in the Canadian healthcare system and that effective change starts right here at home. As a founding member with a vision for a brighter healthcare future in South Kent, he provides medical insight and works with the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation to bring this vision into reality.

Cathy Smith

Cathy lives in Blenheim and works for Waste Connections of Canada. She manages large projects for WCC, including the new renewable natural gas facility currently being constructed at the Ridge Landfill. She has grown very fond of the community and is now committed to bring her expertise in project management and communications in a volunteer capacity to the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation.

Shantel Cardoso

Shantel was born and raised in Blenheim with her first job starting at IDA in Blenheim as a student. Later pursued a career as a registered practical nurse. She has worked within primary care 13 years and see how stressed this sector is and wanting to help give back to her hometown.

Ed O'Brien

For over 30+ years, Ed has been volunteering in the Blenheim area. He is proud to work with this engaging group of people to help bring the future of healthcare to South Kent communities.

Emily Stirling

Currently a Medical Receptionist with the Chatham Kent Family Health Team, Emily was born and raised in the Blenheim area. She joined the CKFHT in December 2013 and is based at the Blenheim site. With her heart and soul in the medical profession, she wants nothing more than to be able to help provide the best patient-centered care for her hometown.

Jeanette Steen

A third generation resident of Blenheim, Jeanette pursued her education in horticulture, landscape and floral design before becoming the owner of Lasting Memories Flowers. Her creativity has been of great assistance in her family's developments around the community. Being a 10+ year cancer survivor, she has seen the stress we have in our healthcare and the need for doctor recruitment. She's excited to be involved in this amazing development, right here in her ever growing hometown.

Patricia Peters

Born, raised & a resident of the Ridgetown area, Patty's is a familiar face to the broader community of Chatham-Kent. She has worked in and around the broad geography of Chatham-Kent in many capacities and brings a wealth of professional experiences to our Board: Special Events, Cultural Development, Tourism, Project Management, Resource Development & Communications. She has been the Musical Director at a small rural church just east of CK for many years, and maintains her Funeral Director's License.

Christine Muckle

A CPA, Christine has lived in Blenheim most of her life. She is retired from her accounting practice in Blenheim and volunteers for many charitable and non-profit organizations. Christine has a keen interest in helping to develop a healthcare facility in South Kent.

Chris Maris

Chris is excited to contribute his Engineering expertise, to develop the Health Hub into a facility that attracts medical professionals and services to Blenheim. He is honoured to be part of this dedicated team, that will help Blenheim achieve its latest bold goal. Chris is flattered by the community enthusiasm for this visionary mission, that will benefit the people of Blenheim and area for generations to come.