Albertans are being asked to share their health care stories with the provincial government. In particular, the government is hoping to learn about whether improper preferential access to health care is occurring in Alberta.
    The Health Services Preferential Access Inquiry was formed earlier this year in response to allegations that some Albertans can obtain or have obtained preferential access, or in other words jumped the queue, to public health services.
    The independent commission will be hosting two public hearings on October 15 and 16 in Edmonton and October 18 and 19 in Calgary.
    Any resident who has witnessed preferential access to health care is encouraged to attend the meetings or send feedback to the commission through www.healthaccessinquiry.com, via email at info@healthaccessinquiry.com, or by calling 403-270-2059.
    All information shared will be confidential.
    The commission will also attempt to make recommendations to prevent preferential access.
    The report will be delivered to the Alberta government on April 30, 2013.

    On Saturday October 20, the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Society of Alberta and Rosebud Centre of the Arts are partnering for a special matinee performance of Rosebud Theatre’s fall drama, Tuesdays with Morrie.
    Tuesdays with Morrie tells the true story of the relationship between accomplished sports writer, Mitch Albom, and his beloved former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
    For every ticket booked with a special code for this Saturday show, Rosebud Centre of the Arts will donate $5 to the ALS Society of Alberta.
     “We’re delighted to partner with the ALS Society of Alberta to help promote awareness of the excellent services and support they provide for those living with this disease,” says Adam Furfaro, Executive Director of Rosebud Centre of the Arts. “We are hopeful that Morrie’s story can bring some comfort and joy to those whose lives have been affected by ALS, including friends and family supporting a loved one.” Furfaro continues, “The show’s powerful yet simple message resonated deeply with audiences on opening weekend. Many patrons remarked that the number of laughs equaled the number of tears. Gather up your loved ones and come see this show together.”
    ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a rapidly degenerative, always fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks the nerves that the body would normally use to send messages from the brain to the muscle, resulting in weakness and wasting.
     Supporters of the ALS Society of Alberta are asked to contact 403-228-3857 for the special promotion code and pricing  for the show. Tickets can then be purchased online at www.rosebudtheatre.com or by calling 1-800-267-7553. Show ticket includes a buffet lunch at the Rosebud Mercantile at 11:00 am with the performance to follow at 1:30 pm in the Opera House.