The new executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS) wants to get to know you.

Sharilyn Knox will be hosting a meet a greet tomorrow in Portage la Prairie, as she tours communities around the region to connect with people. Knox, who came on as head of CPCS in August, has already been to Plumas, Gladstone, Minnedosa and Neepawa. She says the feedback thus far has been positive.

"What I'm hearing so far is that people really appreciate Central Plains Cancer Services and what we've done over the years," Knox says. "I had the opportuntiy to meet quite a few of our volunteer drivers ... it was nice to meet them and find out how long they've been with us, why they're doing it and whether or not they're going to continue."

Knox says CPCS covers a wide territory, servicing 72 communities. She says these sessions give her the opportunity to overcome the challenge of helping all those communities while working centrally out of Portage.

"What I'm trying to learn is how can I make sure that we service all of those areas," Knox says. "I definitely can't do this alone."

"I need to know people in those areas and make connections," continues Knox. "So as time goes on I can pick up the phone and speak to someone (in any community) where they need service, then we can help."

In the next 10 years there is expected to be a 50 per cent increase in cancer diagnoses in Manitoba, Knox adds. "What that says to me is that we have lots of work ahead of us," she explains. "So we need to make sure as an organization that we're offering the services people need in our area."

Knox will be at Season's Restaurant tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m.