Major donation for breast health program highlights Medicine Hat Health Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 9, 2026.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Medicine Hat Health Foundation celebrated 30 years supporting and helping to improve health care in the city on Wednesday, marking the occasion with the start of more comprehensive care for people with breast cancer.

Donors, volunteers, board members and dignitaries met in the level 1 cafeteria at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital to socialize and reflect on all the work done over the years to make sure southeast Albertans are able to receive the care they need, when they need it.

“I’m proud to be celebrating an anniversary marked by life-changing impact, meaningful investment and above all, the power of community,” said executive director Heather Bach. “It is incredible to think that some of you have been supporting our health foundation for the past 30 years.”

While the foundation operates with just seven employees, Bach says it is due to them, the board and the support of the volunteering community that the foundation has been able to raise more than $24 million over the years and fund $1 million worth of programs and medical equipment.

From waiting room furniture to vital programming, there is not a space the foundation has not touched in some way, says Bach.

In keeping momentum up for the next 30 years, the foundation also announced the next major step for health care in the region, thanks to $730,000 in support from the Yuill Family Foundation.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, it feels especially meaningful to also announce something that will have a lasting impact on the future of care in our community, the establishment of the comprehensive breast health program within the women’s health unit here in Medicine Hat Regional Hospital,” said Yuill Family Foundation administrator Cori Cuthbertson.

The Yuill Family Foundation has committed to funding the program for three years, something Cuthbertson says comes down to recognizing a need and a strong belief that no person should have to leave their community to receive care.

“Let me be clear however, this is not just about a three-year commitment,” said Cuthbertson. “This is about building something sustainable. It is our sincere hope that beyond this initial period, Alberta Health Services will continue to support and grow this program so it remains a permanent part of care in our region.

“We are not just announcing the program. We are strengthening care. We are supporting families, and we are reinforcing the belief that quality health care should be available.”

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