Reanne Sanford
Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy Award Recipient Profile: Reanne Sanford
Reanne Sanford is a registered nurse (RN) in the North East region who, since 2016, works as Regional Nursing Lead – Harm Reduction in support of the response to the toxic drug crisis.
Sanford graduated in 2003 with a nursing degree from University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops, now known as Thompson Rivers University.
Among Sanford’s many supporters of her nomination for this award is Teri Forster, BCNU North West Regional Council Member. Forster says that Reanne embodies BCNU values in her everyday work and has contributed significantly to the health and well-being of northern communities, specifically related to harm reduction. According to Forster, Sanford asserts kindness and compassion in her approach to people living with substance use. “The changes Reanne advocated for assisted many of our nurses, who were distressed with how policy is applied to patient populations, to feel heard and validated in their care for others,” says Forster.
Community examples of Sanford’s exemplary work include in working long-term care facilities and working on updates to the language contained in the Northern Health Smoke Free Grounds policy. Her advocacy led to reduced stigmatization and the safe provision of care to impacted people.
Congratulations Reanne!