The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (PECMHA) has been awarding scholarships for over 30 years. It has known for decades what has been clearly highlighted during the past two years: that well staffed healthcare facilities are crucial to the well-being of a strong community. 

In an effort to encourage and support students pursuing a health related career, the Auxiliary started what was then its Bursary Program in 1989, and awarded its first bursary in October of that year to a graduating high school student. It was valued at $125 for each of the first two years of study.

The program was expanded to include mature students in 1992. Generally, one or two of each were disbursed and, over the years, both the number of scholarships and the value of the award have increased.

PECMHA currently offer up to 10 scholarships each year (six high school grads and four mature students) to local students pursuing studies in a health related field. Graduating students attend one of seven high schools, here and in Belleville, and as long as they are residents of Prince Edward County they are eligible to apply. Each award is valued at $3,000 for students entering a two+ year program. For those in a one-year course, such as the Personal Support Worker program, it is $1,800. 

Initially, most students were going into Nursing, and the goal of many students remains the Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) fields. However, over the years, this focus has expanded to include Medicine, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Paramedic, Personal Support Worker, Respiratory Therapy, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Nutrition, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, Biomedical Research, Medical Radiation Therapy, Public Health, Midwifery, Registered Massage Therapy, Counselling Psychology, Masters in Counselling Psychology, Developmental Service Worker, Integrated Health Science, Therapeutic Recreation; and Molecular Biology and Genetics. 

The calibre of the applicants makes the task of discriminating between them a challenging one. All are good students and, in various capacities, they are actively involved in their schools and the community, volunteering their time, energy and expertise.

For students changing careers, or returning to school after a lengthy absence, the mature scholarship offers a much-needed boost. Winners of both awards have consistently written to express their gratitude for the financial help it has provided. While each letter is personal, comments follow a common theme: “Your generosity has made this school year much more attainable”; “This will help me reach my goals in my nursing education”; “I have worked hard for my dreams and the Auxiliary has helped to ensure that I reach them. Thank you”; and “This has been a huge help”. 

Receiving the scholarship encouraged one high school recipient to hang in through a difficult first term, and she went on to do extremely well. Joessel Caytiles was the winner of a two-year Mature Student Scholarship in 2015. A qualified nurse who had recently arrived from the Philippines, Joessel returned to school in order to qualify to work in Canada. We were fortunate that, on graduation, she began working at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, and continues to do so. And the successes continue.

Many students mention that they were honoured to receive the award. In fact, the Auxiliary is honoured to be able to support their progress towards a satisfying, challenging and extremely important career, as we continue to play an integral role within our community.

For more information on the PECMHA Scholarship program, or the PECMH Auxiliary, visit our website at www.pecmhaux.ca or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4427 and leave a message.