Burns Lake, a picturesque community nestled in the heart of the Lakes District, has recently introduced a new position aimed at bolstering the recruitment and retention of health care and medical staff. This initiative, funded by the Village of Burns Lake, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (Areas B and E), and the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice, in collaboration with Northern Health, is led by a dedicated local resident who brings a deep connection to the town and its people.
Born and raised in Burns Lake, Teri Cutsforth is passionate about welcoming newcomers to the community and ensuring their transition is as smooth as possible in her new role as Health Care Recruitment Coordinator. With a focus on making new residents feel at home, she offers a range of services to support their integration into the area. This includes identifying suitable housing, helping spouses explore employment opportunities, providing information on education and childcare, offering town tours, and connecting new community members with groups that share similar interests.
Teri emphasizes the importance of small gestures in making newcomers feel settled and safe. Introducing new residents to their neighbors, showing them where locals eat, shop, and get their oil changes, and providing contacts for local handymen, electricians, and snow-plow services are all part of the personalized support offered.
Relocating to Burns Lake promises a slower, more balanced lifestyle with affordable living and easy access to outdoor adventures. Teri’s personal motivation for taking on this role stems from a desire to ensure local, dependable, stable, and quality health care for the community she cares about deeply.
As a parent to three young daughters and a spouse to someone also born and raised in Burns Lake, she is deeply rooted in the community. Their family, which includes four dogs, a cat, and chickens, enjoys the natural beauty of the Lakes District. The children ski, dance, horseback ride, and spend their summers exploring the lakes and trails. As a family, they also love river and ocean fishing, appreciating the accessibility of these activities from Burns Lake.
This new position began March 1, 2025, and will be in place for a year. It is a testament to the community's commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for health care professionals and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
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