She has a passion for advocacy

Raising a child with a chronic disease has taught Tracey Gallant a lot about Prince Edward Island’s health care system.

The Cornwall mother of two knows how to navigate the ins and outs, ups and downs of hospitals and doctors’ offices. Her son, now 20, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was six years old.

She has seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t.  That’s why she decided to apply, through Engage PEI, to sit on the Community Health Engagement Committee.

“From my personal experiences I can provide a lot of feedback on how to make things better,” Gallant said. “I have a passion for advocacy.”

Tracey and her husband Dwayne live in Cornwall with their two children. She is a busy sports mom, often shuttling their son and daughter to various fields and rinks. She has seen loved ones deal with illnesses including cancer, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Now, Tracey looks forward to being a voice at the table to help improve health care for all Islanders.

“I have seen the positives and negatives of health care in many areas. I think a great deal of growth and improvement can occur.”

Gallant has stepped up to the mic at Diabetes Day on Parliament Hill and has served as the Regional Chair for the Canadian Diabetes Association. From her experiences as a mother and volunteer, she believes that health care organizations and government need to communicate more effectively with each other to achieve results.

When it comes to access to mental health services, Gallant says she feels strongly Islanders should have more opportunities to participate in programs, such as those offered at Richmond Centre.

“So many people are dealing with so many issues,” she said. “Little decisions can have huge impacts.”

Engage PEI helps Islanders apply to volunteer for more than 70 provincial government agencies, boards and commissions.