History of Mary Berglund
Mary Berglund pioneered the role of Nurse Practitioner, working in Ignace during the 1940s, 50s and 60s as the only health care worker within a radius of 110 kilometres. A graduate of the McKellar Hospital School of Nursing in Thunder Bay, Mary`s home served as the first health centre in Ignace. Her skills and professional commitment were soon recognized by doctors in the area who supported her work, providing her with access to medications and medical supplies.
She is the only Nurse who has been received honourary membership from the Ontario Medical Association (1972). She received many other awards, including in 1986, an honourary life membership from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
In 1975, volunteer labour and donations from citizens and businesses led to the construction of the first official Clinic in Ignace. It was incorporated in 1981 as the Ignace Family Health Centre, but operated since its inception as the Mary Berglund Clinic.
In 1989 the Ignace Family Health Centre officially became a Community Health Centre and changed its corporate name to the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre (MBCHC).
The Northwest Local Health Integration Network holds responsibility for funding the Centre`s health programs under the direction of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.