Mike Van der Vlist believes personal support workers truly deserve to be recognized.
"Personal support workers and frontline health care worker staff are the basis of what keeps our health care system going," he said.
Van der Vlist, the CEO of the Physically Handicapped Adults' Rehabilitation Association (PHARA), was joined by a group of PHARA employees, and city officials for a flag raising at North Bay's City Hall in advance of the PSW Day held annually on May 19.
"They are the ones there at 6 a.m. getting people up from their night helping get dressed and giving personal care and meals," he said during his speech.
"They are the backbone of everything we do in community support services around health. Today we are just here to raise a flag and recognize them."
Peter Chirico, North Bay's Mayor attended and proclaimed May 19 as PSW Day.
"Thank you all PSWs for your dedication and compassion," said Chirico.
Van der Vlist says they also provide care for some of Canada's most vulnerable populations, particularly in long term care and home care settings.
Over the past five years, he says the demand for PSWs has increased due to an aging population. efforts to reduce health care costs along with a focus on "again in place."
In Ontario it is estimated more than 100,000 people call themselves PSWs.
