Members of the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society recently spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to shed light on the organization’s vital role in the community. Joining the conversation were nurse and society member Joy Theriault, long-time society member and palliative care advocate Peggy Ouellette, and Nova Scotia Health palliative care volunteer and society member John Langley.

Ouellette, who has been a driving force behind the society for decades, shared the story of its origins. She and her late husband Jack founded the organization in 1981, driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to be there for people in their final days when support was often lacking.

"Just visiting people, helping them out, and doing what we could for them," she recalled. "That's where we started, at hospice. Then people were complaining that their relatives were dying but there was no one there to help them out with that." From those humble beginnings, the society grew into a cornerstone of palliative support for the Strait region.

Ouellette also reflected on how, years later, she experienced palliative care firsthand during her husband’s final days at the Strait-Richmond Hospital.

"Although we weren’t at home and we didn’t need it, we didn’t have an outside worker—it was a wonderful place for us to be," she said, expressing deep gratitude for the compassionate care they received.

Expanding on the society’s work today, Theriault described the organization's role in supporting individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. She spoke about how often the society meets, the scope of their initiatives, and the profound importance of ensuring that residents of the Strait region have access to quality, compassionate palliative care when they need it most.

Looking ahead, John Langley highlighted the upcoming Palliative Care Week, which will run from May 5 to 9. He shared details about the dates and times of local events planned to raise awareness and engage the community. Langley emphasized not only the significance of the week but also the amount of behind-the-scenes planning and dedication required to make these events meaningful and accessible.

Beyond Palliative Care Week, Theriault discussed the society’s ongoing efforts and the future projects on the horizon. These include expanding support services, deepening community education around end-of-life care, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers across the region.

With decades of service behind them and a clear vision for the future, the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society remains a testament to the power of community, compassion, and care during life’s most difficult moments.