For those who came before us, who need us
now, and 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.
Tyler Mercer, Executive Director
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
A proud local with roots in South-Kent, Tyler brings over a decade of leadership experience in the non-profit and charitable sector. Throughout his career, he has successfully led large-scale fundraising initiatives, built strong partnerships with community stakeholders, and has driven record-setting results for organizations such as Make-A-Wish Canada and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. His expertise spans strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and program development—all skills that will be instrumental as BMHF continues its mission of securing accessible health care for the residents of our community.
Dr. Andrew Lanz-O'Brien, Founding Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
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.
Ed O'Brien, Founding Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
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.
Catherine Smith, Founding Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
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, Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
Shantel was born and raised in Blenheim. Her first job started at IDA in Blenheim as a student. Later pursued a career as a registered practical nurse. She has worked within primary care for 15 years. She sees how stressed this sector is and wanting to help give back to her hometown.
Jeanette Steen, Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
A fourth-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.
Emily Stirling, Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
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.
Chris Maris, Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
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.
Cayley DeBrouwer, Board Member
Blenheim Medical Health Foundation &
The Health Hub
Cayley DeBrouwer is a lawyer with experience in both private practice and as in-house counsel for a number of businesses. She is passionate about the mission of the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation and its role in supporting vibrant, healthy communities in Blenheim and the surrounding area. Cayley previously served as a Director with the Red Shoe Society London, supporting the work of Ronald McDonald House. She looks forward to contributing her skills and energy in any way she can to further the Foundation’s important work.