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Lanark County Paramedic Service Honours Truth and Reconciliation with Orange Epaulettes Campaign

September 18, 2024

Montague, Ontario – The Lanark County Paramedic Service (“LCPS”) is proud to mark its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by wearing orange epaulettes throughout the month of September. These epaulettes symbolize solidarity with Indigenous communities and recognize the importance of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30^th, which honours residential school survivors, their families, and the ongoing work towards reconciliation.

 

This year marks the introduction of the orange epaulettes, which join a series of coloured epaulettes LCPS staff wear annually to support various causes. Each colour represents a different awareness campaign: green in May for Mental Health Awareness, rainbow in June for Pride, pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness, blue in November for Men’s Health, and red on Fridays to honour Wounded Warriors.

 

The campaign is more than just raising awareness—it’s about giving back. LCPS raised $964.39, which will be donated to Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation, a grassroots organization dedicated to educating the community about Indigenous histories and supporting reconciliation initiatives. The donation will help fund educational programs and speaker honoraria, contributing to the organization's vital work.

 

Christine Luscombe-Mills, a representative of Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation, expressed her gratitude: "We are deeply moved by LCPS’s generosity. This contribution will significantly support our mission to amplify Indigenous voices and deepen the community’s understanding of our shared history."

 

“Wearing the orange epaulettes is a powerful symbol of our solidarity with Indigenous communities,” said Travis Mellema, Chief, Lanark County Paramedic Service. “It encourages meaningful conversations and underscores our commitment to reconciliation and supporting Indigenous peoples in our region.”

 

A cheque presentation will take place at the Lanark County Paramedic headquarters in the coming days, with representatives from both organizations in attendance.

 

For more information about the Orange Epaulettes campaign or the upcoming cheque presentation, please contact Janice Steele.

 

 

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LCPS Contact:
Janice Steele, Commander - Community Paramedicine
Lanark County Paramedic Service
84 Lorne Street, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 5J7
(613) 205-1021 ext. 113
jasteele@lcps.care

 

 

Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance

613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca

 

About Orange Epaulettes

The orange epaulettes are worn in September to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. These epaulettes are a symbol of solidarity with Indigenous communities, honouring the survivors of residential schools and supporting efforts toward education and reconciliation. For more information on this initiative, visit Orange Epaulettes.

About Lanark County Paramedic Service

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) provides essential emergency medical care to residents and visitors across Lanark County. Committed to excellence in pre-hospital healthcare, LCPS delivers high-quality, compassionate emergency services, including community paramedicine programs that enhance care for vulnerable populations. With a focus on innovation, professionalism, and community partnerships, LCPS strives to improve the overall health and safety of the region. For more information, visit www.lanarkcountyparamedicservice.ca.

About MRHA

Established in April 2016, the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was created to enhance the strong collaboration between Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). As partners within MRHA, AGH, which includes Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Services, and CPDMH are devoted to providing top-tier healthcare that meets the evolving needs of our local communities. Together, we lead the development of an integrated healthcare system that ensures the very best care is delivered close to home.