Devon Haag never imagined her career would centre around public health. In fact, her education and expertise were in wildlife. Want to know the type of bird that’s waking you up in the morning? Ask Devon, a songbird expert with a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia in Conservation Biology. How did Devon, who is happiest in the forest, in the mountains, and on the ocean, stumble into a public health career? To hear her tell it, it was by accident. But maybe it was the universe leading her to where she really belonged.
Taking a Chance on a New Career
Devon began working at BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) when she completed her master’s degree, and was looking for a sign to see if she should continue in academia, or find a job. A friend suggested she take over her position while the friend went to nursing school.
“And so, she couldn’t finish her contract, so she asked if I would take it over. It was two days a week for three months. That was in 2004, and I’m still here (laughs).”
Devon found her niche working in what is now known as Clinical Prevention Services, a program focused on tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV), epidemiology and surveillance. As a project manager specializing in digital health, she is responsible for supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative public health services using digital technologies, like online sexual health services.
With her academic background, Devon quickly found her groove in this new career by working as a translator of sorts between a data surveillance team and a clinical team, emphasizing the importance of both teams coming together to create meaningful tools to help clients. This led to her working as a project manager and subject matter expert, helping to create important digital-based programs that provide access to information and care, as well as Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) testing for people across the province.
“I’ve always been really sex positive, and focused on being inclusive. Working in sexual health offered me more opportunities to broaden my learning and understanding. Sex and sexual health is still so stigmatized, and I wanted to change that. I was passionate about normalizing the conversation.”
Helping Others Access Care and Treatment
This passion for helping the clients she serves is what led to her greatest career achievement: creating and implementing the Get Checked Online program under the guidance of Dr Mark Gilbert. This digital platform is a free and confidential STBBI testing service where users can create an account, give samples at a lab, and receive their results without having to see a doctor. Testing is anonymous, and users do not need to show a piece of ID or have a BC Care Card. If there is a positive STI test, users are guided to care and treatment options.
This type of anonymous access to STI testing and care is a safe and non-judgmental way for people to get the medical treatment they need without shame, fear, or stigma. This program was the first of its kind in BC, so Devon had to learn on-the-go to ensure the program would be beneficial and successful.
“There was so much learning that I had to do and, you know, chairing a technical committee — they’re all database specialists, and virtual server specialists. And every week, I would go back and (search) all these different terms that I had no idea what they were talking about. So that was hard and it was scary. But it felt really good. And I’ll always be proud of getting to the finish line there.”
Caring for Future Generations
Devon’s career has given her professional fulfilment, as well as an opportunity to broaden her knowledge about many public health-related topics. She is particularly interested in Indigenous rights, and has been on a learning journey to find out more about the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (what we now call Canada). She has learned about their history and struggles, and how the public health system can build trust, and benefit from Indigenous ways of knowing and being. She believes so strongly in this work that she has arranged to leave a legacy gift to the Foundation, geared toward supporting Indigenous wellness programs.
“I’ve had so much privilege in my life — good family, education, health, inherited wealth which so many Indigenous people don’t have because it was taken from them. So I really thought I should give whatever is in the estate to a Foundation that has already shown it supports Indigenous health initiatives, Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) initiatives, and a whole other range of more grassroots public health projects, to make sure that money is held for Indigenous-led work. We have a moral and ethical responsibility to right what has been wronged for so many years.”
Devon’s generosity will help support Indigenous wellness programs in the years to come, and the Foundation is so grateful for her thoughtful planning and caring for others.
The Best is Yet to Come
Although Devon is moving on to the next phase of her career and leaving BCCDC, she is not closing the door on her public health work, and is in fact planning to continue helping others in her retirement. She hopes to carry on with her Indigenous learnings, and work in some capacity with Dr Mark Gilbert and the Chee Mamuk team, to help increase access to STI testing in rural and remote communities. “I would love to stay involved in whatever aspect I can. There’s so much more to do so I think having that connection and that spark of light is going to make that transition easier.”
Although she did not plan on a career in public health, Devon Haag’s hard work over the years has made an impact on the lives of so many people seeking care in their most vulnerable times. Her dedication to personal growth has made her a role model to her peers and will leave a legacy of compassion and caring at BCCDC.
She has modeled the spirit of the Coast Salish Teachings — Eyhh Slaxin, “Good Medicine” — using her unique talents and experience to be good medicine to those she encounters. Her friends and colleagues will miss her, but can’t wait to see what she achieves in this next chapter of her life. Thank you, Devon, and enjoy your well-earned retirement!
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If you would like to follow in Devon’s footsteps and leave a legacy of health, please consider donating to the Foundation.
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