Community Builder Abigail Obenchain Receives Health Care Award

Abigail Obenchain has been recognized for her significant contributions to patient advocacy by receiving the Health Care Award at the Community Builders Awards. This accolade, presented by Heritage Home Hardware, highlights her commitment to amplifying patient voices within the healthcare system since she began volunteering at Sault Area Hospital in 2020.

Obenchain’s journey began with her involvement in the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), where she became an active member of the Corporate PFAC. Her role has allowed her to serve on various committees, support projects, and advocate for improved access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to provide the voice of the patient to hospital projects,” Obenchain stated. She emphasized that the inclusion of patient perspectives has significantly enhanced healthcare initiatives, such as the withdrawal management facility.

Beyond her hospital responsibilities, Obenchain has worked tirelessly to connect community organizations, fostering collaboration and mutual learning. She co-created the PFAC Gratitude Program, which allows advisors to acknowledge and celebrate staff contributions monthly, aiming to improve morale across departments. “I believe that healthcare worker morale is the foundation of the healthcare system,” she explained. “If our healthcare workers are overly stressed and unhappy, then we’re less likely to get good care.”

Her dedication to service was acknowledged in 2023 when she received the iCcare Award from Sault Area Hospital for her outstanding volunteerism. Despite her achievements, Obenchain remains modest about the recognition. Upon learning she had won the Community Builders Award, she expressed surprise and humility, stating, “I feel very humbled. There are so many doctors and nurses more deserving than me, but I see this as a chance to show that even non-healthcare workers can make a difference through volunteerism and advocacy.”

Obenchain’s commitment to equity and inclusion is evident in her role as an inaugural member of the hospital’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group. She has played a critical role in launching initiatives for Pride Month and has designed promotional materials to create welcoming environments for the LGBTQQIA2S+ community.

Her advocacy is deeply personal. Obenchain shared her earlier experiences in the United States, where she faced challenges accessing healthcare without insurance. “When I moved to Canada in 1992, I was like, ‘Oh my god, universal healthcare is such an incredible blessing and I want to make sure it’s sustainable and healthy into the future,’” she recalled. This commitment intensified following the birth of her son in 1996, when the hospital played a crucial role in saving his life. “I will never stop being grateful for that,” she said.

Obenchain encourages others to engage actively in improving healthcare. “If you are concerned about the quality of care you’re receiving, don’t just sit at home and complain,” she advised. She urges individuals to communicate their concerns respectfully to healthcare leaders, contributing to a culture of improvement rather than criticism.

Through her advocacy, empathy, and determination, Abigail Obenchain has demonstrated that one person’s voice can strengthen the healthcare system for all. The Health Care Award recognizes individuals or groups making significant impacts in community health, and Obenchain’s efforts exemplify this ethos. The award is proudly sponsored by Final Touch Property Maintenance Services. Congratulations to Abigail for her well-deserved recognition.