Meet Leah Hawirko

Leader, Acute Care, Clinical Smoking Cessation Program

Leah Hawirko high above the intersection of Bute and Georgia St. in Vancouver.

How long have you worked at VCH?
Since January 2007 but also worked for VCH from 1990 to 2000 at the Healthiest Babies Possible Program

Your VCH contribution.
The number one cause of preventable death and disease in Canada is smoking.  My job is to embed a standard of care at VCH where we treat “every patient, every time” for their addiction, help them through withdrawal and support them to quit. We are doing this via education, changing policies, embedding processes and getting a little creative. We recently produced a fun music video called “Doin it Right!” which emphasizes the importance of helping patients through their withdrawal. Check it out, see video below!

One thing that we might be surprised to find out about you:
I like extreme sports, mountain climbing, and Whistler Bike Park; I play praise music in a band every Thursday night

Favourite hobby:
I’m very creative and love to make things. Designing jewellery is a favourite and expensive hobby. But my biggest joy comes from music and song writing. Currently working on an album…very slowly!

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Hemp hearts, smoked salmon and paint brushes/ rollers. (I’m always painting something…and they don’t dry out if you wrap them in saran wrap and keep them in the fridge :o)

What makes you happy?
Sunshine, playing in the wilderness, and making a genuine difference in people’s lives.

Most healthy habit:
Not smoking or being around anyone who does!

Favourite vacation spot or place you’ve visited:
Harrison Hot springs…it’s my home away from home and so easy to escape to for a few days.