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District 4 Candidate - Sarah Werner
I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples. I am committed to learning from Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and histories in my work, and I support ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and decolonization in healthcare.
As a dedicated pharmacist specializing in Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) and mental health and addictions, I have made it my life’s work to protect and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community. I currently work as a community pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe #395 in my hometown of Vernon, BC. With the opioid epidemic continuing to claim lives and shatter families in our small town, I have seen firsthand how crucial it is to provide not just treatment, but compassionate, stigma-free care. My goal is to ensure that every patient has access to the healthcare and support they deserve, delivered with dignity and respect.
I have had the privilege of working alongside organizations like Interior Health, Vernon’s Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) teams, Local OAT clinics, and shelters. These partnerships have allowed me to extend critical care to those who face significant barriers in accessing traditional healthcare. By building these bridges, I help ensure that vulnerable populations—particularly those struggling with addiction and homelessness—receive comprehensive, life-saving care.
A cornerstone of my career was the initiation of a partnership with Interior Health to provide drug checking services at our pharmacy. This program provides people who use substances with a safe, accessible method to verify the contents of their drugs, significantly reducing the risk of overdose. Additionally, my pharmacy was the first in the region to implement safe OAT delivery services to patients. These innovations have broken down barriers to care for individuals who cannot access traditional healthcare, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.
But I don’t stop there. I am deeply committed to updating and creating policies and procedures that protect both OAT patients and the general public. I believe that a strong regulatory framework is essential for safeguarding the most vulnerable while ensuring healthcare remains transparent, patient-centered, and ethical. My passion for advocacy drives me to push for regulations that ensure safety, equity, and fairness, especially for those affected by opioid use disorder.
Looking toward the future, I am excited about the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping pharmacy practice. However, I remain vigilant about the safety and privacy implications of AI in healthcare. While AI has the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes, it is critical that we implement these technologies with robust protections to safeguard patient data and privacy. I am committed to ensuring that AI in pharmacy is used ethically and safely, with the patient always at the forefront.
As a Board member, I would bring my expertise in mental health, addiction, OAT, and technology to advocate for policies that protect the most marginalized communities. My deep experience working with organizations like Interior Health, MHSU teams, and OAT clinics has equipped me with the knowledge and perspective to contribute meaningfully to the Board. I am passionate about ensuring that the most vulnerable populations and the general public are at the center of all healthcare decisions.
I am also committed to fostering inclusive, culturally safe practices, particularly for Indigenous populations. By integrating trauma-informed care into my work, I strive to create healthcare environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered in their journey toward wellness.