Created an online petition to help .

I've created an online petition titled "Re-open the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Obstetrics Program and stop the closure of small town birthing wards" at PetitionOnline.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/bmsh1221/petition.html

Also noted it on the Bow Valley Residents Supporting Banff's Labour & Delivery Program Facebook group.

My note:

"Please pass the link around and urge people to sign.

The debate continues as to the effectiveness of online petitions, but research through the Internet indicates that they can have an impact. They should be promoted through our networks, e-mail, social media (facebook, MySpace, etc.) and they need to have real names. And of course, the petition needs to be delivered. I would suggest that by April 30, 2009 we collect the names that are available on the petition and deliver to the appropriate parties in e-mail and printed format.

Also, this should not replace writing letters, or walks, or media coverage. This is meant to supplement all of the avenues already in use for this cause.

Of course, if the decision is made to re-open the Obstetrics Program long before then, we may not need to present the petition, but I think this is one more way for us to spread the word."