​​​​A message from the First Nations Health Authority's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Evan Adams.

Flu season will soon be upon us, and I want to encourage every First Nations person in BC to be prepared and informed – and especially, to get your flu shot. As a physician, I am only too aware of how dangerous the common flu can be, especially in tight-knit communities.

Influenza causes more deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases than all others combined, especially among the Elderly. In Canada, there are approximately 3,500 deaths from the flu and its complications every year.

Read the full message from Dr. Adams here.

Read FNHA Influenza (Flu) Information on our website here. 

The Tuberculosis Services for Aboriginal Communities (TBSAC) program was established to prevent and control Tuberculosis (TB) disease in BC First Nations Communities. The program was introduced in 1989 by Health Canada as an enhancement to provincial TB services.

Until now, TBSAC has been delivered through an agreement with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) (previously First Nations Inuit Health Branch). 

Two years after the transfer of health services, the FNHA’s focus is on redesigning and optimizing TB health services along with other communicable disease services, for First Nations communities. By April 1, 2016, the TBSAC Program will be a part of FNHA’s community health and wellness services.

Read this full communique here.

The Tuberculosis Services for Aboriginal Communities program is offering an opportunity to fund small projects to help raise Tuberculosis education, knowledge and dialogue within First Nations communities in BC. A maximum one time funding grant of $2,500 is available to help support your creative community-based initiative. The $2,500 may be split between several communities if smaller projects are proposed.

Find all the details here!

As part of Falls Prevention Week we would like to share a great video from the BC Centre for Hip Health and Mobility on Tai Chi for Elders filmed in the Cowichan Valley.

Check it out here!

Find more on how to prevent falls and make your home safe here. 

National Recall: ​Allerject Epinephrine Auto-injectors

Drug company Sanofi is recalling all epinephrine auto-injectors in North America. The devices are used to treat se​vere allergic and anaphylactic reactions. 

Please note: In the event a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs before you can obtain a replacement auto-injector, use your Allerject device as directed by your healthcare provider, then call 911 and seek emergency medical attention.​

Read more here.

FNHA expands Safety Measures for Clients taking Methadone

Methadone is a drug that can be used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings in people who are dealing with opioid drug addiction. Beginning November 9th, FNHA clients on methadone maintenance therapy will be included in Health Canada’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).

Read more here.

Stay up-to-date with all First Nations Health Benefits news on our website here: www.fnha.ca/benefits/health-benefits-news

FNHA Board of Directors are appointed by the members of the FNHA in accordance with the organization’s bylaws and Society Act. The FNHA is recruiting an Interior Representative for the Board.

Find out more here.

March 21-24, 2016 - Coast Salish Territory (Victoria)

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre are proud to host Gathering Our Voices National Aboriginal Youth Conference on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish in Victoria, BC. This is their 14th First Nations and Aboriginal youth conference and held from March 21-24, 2016 at the Victoria Conference Centre and other venues around the city. The conference will host up to 1,500 youth delegates from across BC and Canada. 

Visit GOV Online here!

The official Canadian Red Cross First Aid app puts lifesaving advice in your hands. Available for Apple and Android mobile devices, the app helps you maintain your first aid skills and respond to everyday emergencies. By downloading the app on your smartphone or tablet, you get instant access to videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice to help you maintain your life-saving skills and respond when needed.

Find it here. 

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto is pleased to welcome your abstract submissions to the Indigenous Health Conference (IHC) 2016: Towards Health and Reconciliation.

The theme is discussing reconciliation and solutions towards improved health for all Indigenous peoples. In addition, there will be an emphasis on healthy environments, from ecological health of the planet to the determinants of health.

Call for Abstracts Closes: Monday, January 15, 2016
Conference Dates: May 26-27, 2016

Find more info here.

Request for Proposal: Fleet Vehicle Purchase

Closing Date/Time: Submissions must be received before 4 pm PST on: November 17th, 2015​.
​
Refer to the document for a full list of key dates.​

Request for Expression of Interest: Project Lead - Health Benefits

Closing Date/Time: Submissions must be received before 4 pm PST on: November 23rd, 2015​

Refer to the document for a full list of key dates.​

​Request for Proposal: Registered Respiratory Therapist

Closing Date/Time: Submissions must be received before 4 pm PST on: November 16th, 2015​
​
Refer to the document for a full list of key dates.​

Request for Proposal: Dental Consultant

Closing Date/Time: Submissions must be received before 4 pm PST on: November 16th, 2015​
​
Refer to the document for a full list of key dates.​

Chanage Management Lead
Location(s): West Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 19, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Clinical TB Nurse Advisor
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 16, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Clinical TB Nurse Educator
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 16, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Data Entry Support
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 16, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Senior Specialist, Prenatal Care and Healthy Child and Youth Development
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 13, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Specialist, Mental Wellness Programs
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Nov 13, 2015 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse - Health Centre
Location(s): Lytton & Fort St. John
Job description

Community Health Nurse – Nursing Stations
Location(s): Various
Job description

Dental Therapist
Location(s): Various
Job description

Nurse in Charge-Nursing Station
Location(s): Various
Job description

Clinical Counsellor, Riverstone Home & Mobile Detox
Organization: Fraser Health
Location(s): Agassiz, Chilliwack and Hope
Job description

Early Childhood Educator
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace
Job description

Health Coordinator
Organization: Ahousaht
Location(s): Ahousaht
Job description

Practice Lead, Aboriginal Health
Organization: Interior Health
Location(s): Flexible
Job description

Social Worker
Organization: Vancouver Native Health Society
Location(s): Vancouver
Job description