Health Watch - October 2013

FNHA takes over delivery of health services in BC

As of Oct. 1, the First Nations Health Authority will take over all duties previously assigned to Health Canada in British Columbia. FNHA chair Lydia Hwitsum said her organization is committed to providing more access to primary care for Aboriginal people in rural and remote parts of the province, including the north. “I think we can do it better by working together on priorities of First Nations,” she told the Prince George Citizen. “We would not be doing this if we didn’t think we could do it better.” Years in the making, the FNHA began assuming some of the responsibilities previously held by the federal government in July. Under the Canadian Constitution, the federal government has held the responsibility for providing health care to Aboriginal people, while provincial governments are responsible for delivering it to the rest of the population. The phased transition started with the FNHA taking over policy and planning activities as well as the non-insured health benefit headquarters. In October, FNHA takes over service delivery. To make the transition easier, the FNHA is hiring about 250 former federal government employees. Those hires will join the existing staff of about 60 people and will be able to provide stability as the new leadership team takes over.

Nunavut gets voice on CMA

The Ontario Medical Association has agreed to sponsor a delegate from Nunavut at the Canadian Medical Association, the national body representing Canadian physicians. “I’m very pleased that Ontario can step forward and help bring greater attention to the needs and concerns of Nunavut’s medical community,” said Dr. Scott Wooder, president of the Ontario Medical Association, in a news release. “Ontario doctors have always participated in the treatment of Nunavut patients, so it’s fitting that physicians from both jurisdictions are now formally linked. The relationship will benefit patients in this underserved area.” The Inuit people of Nunavut have the highest infant mortality in Canada, a cancer death rate that is three times that of the national average, a TB rate that has been reported as 64 times the national average, and a suicide rate that is dramatically higher than that of the rest of Canada, said Dr. Katherine Canil, a surgeon in the territory for the past 18 years. Through the CMA, Canil said, Nunavut physicians hope to bring focus and leadership to these and many other Inuit health issues.

Socio-economic status plays role in violence against women

A new study conducted by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto indicates that the socio-economic position is a major factor influencing risks of abuse for Aboriginal women. The study indicates that if Aboriginal women had the same income and education levels as non-Aboriginal women, their risk of being abused by a partner could drop by 40 per cent. Dr. Janet Smylie and Dr. Nihaya Daoud’s findings appear online in the Canadian Journal of Public Health. The study used data from the 2006-07 Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey representing more than 50,000 Canadian-born women, including more than 3,000 off-reserve First Nations, Inuit and Métis mothers. Researchers collaborated with the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Poverty can lead to violence through financial and social stress, as well as alcohol or drug-abuse to cope with these stressors. The cost of moving or living alone can prevent Aboriginal women from leaving violent situations. The authors believe this is the first quantitative study to examine socio-economic position as a factor explaining high rates of gender violence among Aboriginal women.

Province kicks in funding for Membertou sports centre

The Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre has received funding from the Nova Scotia government. The project, a 1,250-seat arena plus an indoor walking track and a 3,000-square foot community fitness centre, will help promote the health and wellness of people living in the community. There is room to add a second ice surface. “I am absolutely delighted that government thinks this is an important project for Membertou and the whole area,” said Chief Terrance Paul, in a news release. “This is a tremendous boost for the fundraising for the arena and entire project.” The province is contributing a $3 million grant over three years toward the $18 million project. The funding supports the Mi’kmaw physical activity leadership program memorandum, announced in February, between the province and five Mi’kmaw communities, including Membertou.

New health program created through partnership

The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee has embarked on a new health initiative in conjunction with seven First Nations communities in Kenora, Ont. Bri’ut is designed to improve the long-term physical and mental health of Aboriginal populations by strengthening the delivery of community-based health promotion programs. This summer, the organization received a grant of $238,500 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in support of implementing the program with Aboriginal communities in Canada over a four-year period. “It is my experience that individuals and communities benefit greatly when they are directly engaged with issues related to their health and well-being, and when they are invited to contribute to creative strategies to address health issues of concern in a manner that is community-focused and sustainable,” Chief Joe Barnes, executive director of the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, said in a statement.

First Aboriginal health centre to receive Baby-Friendly accreditation

The Kanesatake Health Centre is the first Aboriginal health center in North America to receive accreditation under the UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Initiative. The BFI was established in 1991 by W.H.O/UNICEF to encourage maternity hospitals to implement the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Since then, many studies have shown that breastfeeding and a strong mother-baby bond is the foundation for a baby’s future health and wellbeing. In Aboriginal communities, it also helps revitalize traditional intergenerational teachings of women and heal the wrongs left by residential schools on parenting skills. “We are determined to not only empower our own community, but to empower other First Nations communities by providing culturally-sensitive support, training and resources. We believe that by encouraging other First Nations to become “Baby Friendly” it will strengthen our nation’s overall health and wellbeing and lay the foundation for the next seven generations, Joyce Bonspiel-Nelson, executive director of the Kanesatake Health Centre, said in a news release.