DAHF simulation lab to receive $10,000 county investment
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wheatland County has agreed to contribute $10,000 to the Drumheller and Area Health Foundation (DAHF) in support of their Grow Your Own Program and E-Simulation Lab Project.
During the development of the county’s 2026 budget, a $10,000 placeholder was included with intent to see a contribution made to the establishment of the program.
The request had originated from a presentation provided by representatives from the Drumheller and Area Health Foundation, Aug. 19, during that Public Presentation Committee meeting.
At the time, it was described as being intended as a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the University of Calgary.
The idea being to allow rural residents to receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a rural location area with a service radius of 120 km.
Cohorts of eight to nine students will receive mixed instruction, both online and in person at the simulation lab. Applicants must reside within 120 km of the lab, like they do for the Wainwright Health Centre, or of Drayton Valley in order to be eligible to participate.
The Drumheller and Area Health Foundation was previously noted to be financially responsible for the renovation costs required to establish the simulation lab at the Drumheller Health Center, quoted at $300,000 at the time of their presentation to Wheatland County.
The University of Calgary is to supply the equipment necessary for the lab – an investment approximated between $60,000 and $80,000.
Once established, the program will be financed by AHS, as well as by incoming tuitions and fees from students.
“I think that’s a unique thing where hopefully people who live in the area will continue to nurse in the area once they get their degree,” said Coun. Shannon Laprise. “This is a really good initiative on behalf of Drumheller and Area Health Foundation.”
As one of the requirements to participate in the program, resident nurses will be required to live in the local community for a set period of time following their completion. The exact timeline of this had not been specified during the August presentation to the county.
At the request of Coun. Berle Hebbes, it was clarified that that contribution from Wheatland County would be a one-time stipend intended to support the establishment of the program and would not be a regular occurrence for its maintenance.
One of the goals of the foundation was to gather $10,000 contributions from each respective municipality within the catchment area, or an amount they were comfortable with providing. The $300,000 target aims to be achieved by early 2027.