When you visit a Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment (KCHME) store, what you see is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the equipment and our knowledgeable team members, there is a virtual mountain of specialized education and training, and an extensive industry network. It’s incredibly important to us that we offer the very latest equipment and advice, specially tailored to each customer.
One of the trade organizations that help keep us at the centre of industry developments is the Home Medical Providers’ Association of British Columbia (HMEPA). HMEPA is considered the trusted voice of the home medical equipment industry in the province, providing leadership for the betterment of those with disabilities. The organization advocates for improved government policies, aids in product education, builds awareness for assistive devices, and provides a key networking avenue to ensure all those involved in the home medical equipment industry are pushing and pulling together.
KCHME’s very own Jocelyn Fast, RRTS® and Rehab/Accessibility Coordinator, has been a member with HMEPA since 2012. Jocelyn’s passion for home medical equipment and HMEPA’s important work led her to join the executive board in 2022, serving as Secretary for two years, before becoming Vice President and now—we are delighted to announce—the association’s new President.
“Becoming President was simply an evolution of my role since joining the board,” explains Jocelyn. “As President I can better fulfill my passion for collaboration across the industry.”
Though President, Jocelyn admits that the association functions as a healthy democracy: “The actual direction of HMEPA is guided by the membership and board as a whole,” Jocelyn elaborates. With this, Jocelyn has inherited the organizational priorities established in 2025 and has agreed to carry these priorities forward into 2026. These priorities involve strategic planning and governance, collaboration with industry partners, and member engagement and resources.
In addition, Jocelyn hopes to accelerate two additional goals: to develop improved processes to aid in board transition and project flow, and to forge new collaborative approaches among industry partners.
Kennedy Watchorn, BHs, BC Account Manager with Sunrise Medical, has been an HMEPA member since 2024. Kennedy joined the association to connect with others within the industry, stay informed on key issues, and contribute to conversations that support both providers and clients. “HMEPA creates an important opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge, and collectively advocate for better outcomes for clients,” Kennedy explains. “Through a unified voice, members can address key industry challenges, including increased access to funding and improved access to essential equipment and accessories.”
One of Jocelyn’s key priorities in leading the HMEPA board is to foster a growing emphasis on collaboration. Kennedy is excited for the promise Jocelyn offers the association: “Jocelyn has a leadership style that is collaborative, goal-oriented, and highly effective at turning ideas into action. She is a get-it-done leader who has helped us develop our 2026 objectives while also laying out a roadmap to achieve these goals. I believe her leadership will continue to move HMEPA forward in a positive direction, with a strong focus on advocacy, education, and meaningful industry progress.”
Another HMEPA member who is excited about Jocelyn’s expanded role with the association is HMEPA’s outgoing President, Evan Kellett, BSc (Kin), Founding Partner with Macdonald’s Home Health Care. As President from 2021 to 2026, Evan inherited the difficult task of spearheading the association through some challenging post-pandemic years, while successfully growing its membership base.
“A lot of my focus simply went into creating stability for the association,” Evan elaborates. “Establishing a healthy foundation from which we could all work together in the same direction, with the same goals. I feel I successfully accomplished this, all while growing the association’s membership base and positive influence within the industry.
“I’m excited for the HMEPA’s next chapter with Jocelyn as President,” Evan continues. “Jocelyn and I have the same goals for the association, but she brings a different energy and approach. She is an exceptional consensus builder and motivator, and knows how to get the most out of each person’s unique skill set.”
“It really comes down to HMEPA’s concept of an inclusive and collaborative approach,” adds Jocelyn. “Ours is an organization that respects everyone’s voice equally. Anyone who chooses to participate is welcome.”
If you are a member of the public or an industry peer who would like to learn more about the HMEPA and its contribution to the home medical equipment industry in BC, you can visit the association’s website or contact KCHME for more info.