There is a growing interest in using face masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19. With the need to reserve medical masks for health care workers, people are turning to homemade masks.

Used properly, these masks can offer some protection when physical distancing is difficult to maintain, e.g., in grocery stores or on public transit. It’s important to note, however, that homemade masks have not been proven to protect the person wearing the mask. They can offer some protection to others around you.

Non-medical masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

Learn more about homemade masks here.

At the FNHA, we know that First Nations have a unique perspective on health and wellness, and that this perspective is not always understood by the mainstream health system. Therefore, we feel that it is more important than ever to connect with First Nations people—at home and away from home, in BC and across Canada—to ensure that culturally safe and relevant health information makes it to those who need it.  That is why we have created public health messages in a variety of formats: video, podcast, radio and television advertising—and of course, this newsletter.

Read more and find links to all video, radio and podcast messaging here.

If you are feeling a little anxious about COVID-19, you're not alone​​

A Message from Dr. Nel Wieman, Senior Medical Officer, Mental Health and Wellness​.

Feeling worried during a crisis is quite normal. You may have feelings of distress due to the uncertainty we are experiencing. You might even find that the COVID-19 pandemic triggers symptoms of trauma. Living through a pandemic can certainly affect mental health and wellness. By being aware of these negative impacts on our wellness, we are better able to cope with them.

Read more here.

Being prepared for the future is important. Just like we plan and prepare for fishing, hunting, ceremony, and weather, planning for medical care in advance, or “just in case," helps us to be prepared. It can give us peace of mind for ourselves and our families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we are worried about the potential threat to ourselves, our community, and particularly our Elders, peace of mind is very important. Advance care planning may help.

Learn more about advance care planning here.

Get the full advance care planning workbook from the FNHA here.

A message to community leaders from the FNHA, FNHC, and the FNHDA.

Working alongside the health professionals in your communities, you're playing a key role to protect the safety, health and well-being of our people. To ensure we maintain essential services during this time—keeping health centres, band offices and essential businesses open—and support your pandemic response plans, we offer these recommendations to Chiefs and leaders.

Read the full release here.

Sts'ailes Counsillor Chad Paul joins the 7 p.m. drumming to honour health care workers. Check it out on Facebook here!

Do you follow the FNHA on Facebook, Twitter (@fnha) and Instagram (@fnha)?

As part of the Good Medicine Initiative, we’re sharing—and re-sharing—stories, videos and photos from First Nations people and communities across the province, who are finding ways to stay connected and lift each other up during these challenging times.
Visit our social media to watch some of the videos, and tag the FNHA and #GoodMedicineFNHA if you’d like to share your own!

The FNHA has increased the publishing frequency of this e-newsletter to keep you updated on COVID-19. Also check our web portal, where you'll find: 

• info for individuals,
• info for health professionals,
• infor for community leaders.