Blanche River Health: Guiding Our Communities with Vision, Mission, and Values
Leading with Purpose to Foster Healthy Communities
Blanche River Health (BRH) serves the people of Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding areas with its vision, mission, and values (VMV) guiding the leadership, staff, and relationships with partners. The VMV serves as the north star that the organization aims for, influencing decisions and priorities. The strategic direction of BRH was created in 2023 with input from the broader communities and partners, including feedback from patients and families.
Vision, Mission, Values
- Vision: To be the leader in rural health and wellness, fostering healthy communities.
- Mission: Making healthcare work for you.
- Values: BRH values People and Continuous Improvement demonstrated through Accountability, Respect and Courage to Excel (ARC). You can read more on this at blancheriverhealth.ca.
“Health care is complex and has become increasingly so post-pandemic. Our mission and values drive our decisions and priorities every day,” says Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO of BRH. “They ensure we remain focused on meeting the unique needs of northern, rural communities.”
Bringing BRH’s Mission to Life
BRH achieves its vision by investing in people, facilities, and technology. From recruiting talented healthcare professionals to upgrading equipment, every action supports better care. The Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) plays a critical role by securing donations to fund numerous quality-improvement initiatives.
“Our donors are vital partners in delivering care,” says Cassandra James, Executive Coordinator of BRHF. “A great example is the generous donation of Olga Jackson allowing BRH to purchase two non-urgent vehicles to transport patients to critical appointments outside our communities. Planned giving is a great opportunity for all donors to leave a legacy of support for future generations.” To learn more about how to leave a gift in your will, visit brhfoundation.ca.
Why VMV Matters
The strategy created and approved in 2023 is a five-year strategy from 2024-2029. In order to make health care work for people, BRH aims to strengthen health and human resources, infrastructure, financial resources, communication, and integrating systems to better support our communities. All these pillars contribute to better people-centered care. To be more inclusive and respectful of our patients’ diverse needs. BRH is working hard to ensure every patient consistently receives the right care at the right time and place.
To see how BRH upheld these commitments in 2024, check out the Year in Review on the website.
Your support drives our success. Whether you share timely feedback, volunteer with committees like the Patient Experience Partners, donate, or plan future giving, every contribution makes a lasting impact.
We value your voice—whether it’s a compliment, concern, or suggestion. Share your feedback online at blancheriverhealth.ca or use the feedback forms available in our waiting rooms.
Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities—not just for today, but for generations to come.
About Blanche River Health
Blanche River Health (BRH) is a 74-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (26 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you.
BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel.
Please direct media inquiries to: Communications and Public Relations
1-866-274-7774 ext. 2144 | communications@blancheriverhealth.ca
Pictured:
Members of the BRH management team members at the Kirkland Lake site.
Back row, left to right: Jamey Swartz Facilities Manager, Sherry Lheureux Patient Care Services Manager, Jennifer Boudreault Health Information Manager, Jorge VanSlyke President and Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Effenberger Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer, Samantha Saudino Interim Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Tara Thomas Accounting Manager, and Carol Ann Marcoux Inpatient Unit & Allied Health Care Manager.
Front row, left to right: Osama Arar Laboratory Manager, Pam Gregoire Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Barbara Cook Executive Assistant to President & CEO, Carra Tauvette Food Services Manager, Marcel Boisvenue Information Technology Manager, and Debra Schenk Human Resources Manager.