GORE BAY—As an example of its tremendous success, having invested over $50 million in the local community and supporting small business since its inception, the Lacloche-Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) has now invested in Future Health Services (FHS), a social enterprise that provides health remote monitoring services to seniors and chronic patients in communities.
At the LAMBAC annual general meeting recently, it was announced that the LAMBAC board has made an equity investment of $200,000 toward FHS. “FHS was seeking our support and partnership to expand the impact of the program to reach more vulnerable populations in need of these services,” said Carolyn Campbell, executive director.
Ms. Campbell explained, “FHS has been a pioneer and leader in remote monitoring services in Canada since 2012. FHS is based in Sudbury. They have developed a successful model that leverages the expertise and resources of Community Futures (CF), Community Paramedic Services (CPS) and other community and healthcare partners.”
Remote monitoring is a technology-enabled service that allows health care providers to monitor the vital signs and symptoms of their patients remotely, using devices such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, thermometers and scales. The data is transmitted wirelessly to a patient portal, where it is analyzed by community paramedics that provide timely feedback and intervention if needed. Remote monitoring has proven to be an effective way to reduce hospital admissions, emergency visits, and health care costs, while improving patient outcomes, satisfaction and quality of life.
“FHS has achieved remarkable results and recognition for its remote monitoring services. It has served over 5,000 patients 40 of 56 municipalities across Ontario and Prince Edward Island (PEI),” said Ms. Campbell. FHS has reduced hospital admissions by 71 percent, emergency visits by 57 percent, and 911 calls by 42 percent among patients.
“Our board of directors has been eager to diversity our investment portfolio and I’m very proud to announce that LAMBAC has made an equity investment in (FHS) Inc.,” continued Ms. Campbell. “With any technology there are always new advancements to be made, and I am looking forward to being on the board of directors to add insight from Northern Ontario and to help promote future investments into the company from other partners in the North.”
As part of the meeting, Anna Armstrong, chair of the LAMBAC board led the board through approval of its agenda, minutes from last year’s annual meeting, audit reports, and welcoming new board member Bob Florean.
“We have had two board members that have been very dedicated to LAMBC for the past nine years, serving their three, three-year terms,” said Ms. Campbell. “Unfortunately, David Carnochan was unable to make it tonight. Dave has been a great resource, and we will miss his contributions going forward.”
Ms. Campbell presented outgoing board member Jim Gerhart with a gift on behalf of the LAMBAC board, “to say thank you for all the time that you have put into this organization, from reading packages, asking great questions, and coming up with solutions.”
“Being a member of the board has been very enjoyable,” stated Mr. Gerhart. “I have met a lot of interesting people and had the opportunity to help work on many projects. LAMBAC is an exceptional organization.”
“The staff at LAMBAC have had a busy year,” said Ms. Campbell. “Annette Clarke has been our economic development officer for the Western Manitoulin EDO project funded by FedNor. We have had a great working committee and Annette was able to accomplish almost everything that was set out in our objectives. The Town of Gore Bay asked for assistance when applying for the downtown revitalization project and Annette was successful in her application and received funding approval for $500,000 from Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). This will be an exciting project to see come to life and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Annette for all of the hard work that she has put into this.”
“Susan Whynott has been the project coordinator for the Northern Ontario Women’s (NOW) program and has done a fabulous job making sure that the women entrepreneurs have access to this program across Northern Ontario,” continued Ms. Campbell. “The success stories from the women that have used the NOW program can be seen on the NOW Facebook page and are a great indicator of the success of the program. Susan, I can’t say enough about your dedication to this project, and I know that the women you are assisting feel the same way.”
“Stefany Pepin, you have been at the LAMBAC office for almost eight years now and you have allowed LAMBAC to enter into Pan Northern Projects as we are able to serve our francophone communities with your excellent customer service skills,” said Ms. Campbell. “Our office depends on your knowledge for so many things and I appreciate everything that you do to keep our office running smoothly,” continued Ms. Campbell. “Stefany has worked on the tile drainage program for years and this year we have completed our third project with acres tiled hitting just short of 3,000 acres. This program provides funding to our agricultural community in the form of a grant to help with the costs of installing tile that improves yields, extends the growing season and reduces soil erosion as well as many other environmental befits. I want to thank Kim Murch and Kristin Luoma from the Ministry of Northern Development for attending tonight and for all of the work that you do in the Lacloche-Manitoulin area.”
Arik Theijsmeijer, manager, program delivery in North Central Region of FedNor said that LAMBAC has been very successful since its inception. Even during the difficult time coming out of the pandemic LAMBAC has provided small businesses to get through this time.
“LAMBAC has been very successful and is definitely having a lot of beneficial impact on small businesses and community projects in the Lacloche and Manitoulin areas, such as the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport project, in helping to get the communities funding for this project,” said Mr. Theijsmeijer.
