The number of First Nations lives lost to the opioid epidemic continued to rise last year even as the overall mortality rates in British Columbia show signs of dropping, making the emergency a severe and persistent threat to our families and communities.

In 2018, 193 First Nations men and women died of an overdose in the province, a 21 percent increase from a year earlier. Overall, First Nations accounted for 13 percent of overdose deaths, up from 11 percent in 2017.

"This is no longer just a short-term emergency, it is a long-term public health crisis that requires a long-term response," said Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chairperson, First Nations Health Council. "Because of the complex underlying causes that result in First Nations' over representation in this crisis, increased resources and efforts are needed to address the widening gap between the general population and First Nations."

Read the full news release here.

To support the healing journeys of First Nations individuals, families and communities, $40 million is being provided to build and revitalize First Nations-run treatment centres throughout British Columbia.

The funding, provided equally by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Province, was announced by Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chair of the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), and Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, at the First Nations Primary Care, Mental Health and Wellness Summit in Vancouver.

Read the full news release here.

Forward-looking plan provides roadmap for successful service delivery

We are honoured to share the First Nations Health Authority's 2019/2020 Summary Service Plan, which marks the fourth year of our five-year health plan. This Summary Service Plan is essential to our journey of health system transformation for First Nations in BC.  It provides a description of FNHA's operational plan for the year, including our goals, outcomes, objectives, strategies, performance measures and priorities. It also sets out the story behind our plan and our progress to date.

Read the Summary Service Plan here.

The International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH) is pleased to announce a special call for papers from Guest Co-Editors at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), based in British Columbia, Canada—Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer and Sonia Isaac-Mann, Vice President, Programs and Services.

The FNHA welcomes submissions from Indigenous communities and organizations, community-based and academic researchers, and research trainees that utilize Indigenous cultural knowledge and values in health systems innovation. For example, to address intergenerational and complex trauma in Indigenous populations, health systems innovation requires development of cultural safety and humility education and action plans, trauma-informed care approaches, and anti-racism strategies that are Indigenous-specific.

Read more about the call for papers here.

More than 100 nurses attended the Northern Nursing Conference last week in Prince George. Organized by the amazing FNHA Nursing Team, the event saw participants from across the North--FNHA, Northern Health and Band nurses--come together to hear about First Nations and Chronic Disease in our region.

Our Indigenous world view was woven throughout the conference beginning with a welcome to Lheidhli T'enneh territory, songs by the Khast'an drummers, a presentation by Carla Lewis on Traditional Wellness and Chronic Conditions, and an opportunity for presenters and participants to focus primarily on understanding the cultures of First Nations. Many nurses had never experienced traditional healing. Four women from Nakazdli, the Adah Dene Healing Society, provided half hour sessions and comments from those who attended were very personal and moving.

Read the full post here!

On May 10, Dr. Evan Adams, FNHA’s Chief Medical Officer, was joined by five doctors and more than 70 FNHA staff for a walk from Park Royal to the Guardian Totem at Ambleside Park. The sun was shining for the event that brought participants back onto the land to nurture their spirits.

In his opening words, Dr. Adams emphasized the great benefits of walking and the importance of having a good relationship with your doctor. “It’s more satisfying and reassuring when you have good communication with your doctor,” said Dr. Adams. “It is important to have a good relationship – respect and trust between you.”

Dr. Adams then acknowledged the other doctors that were present and encouraged all participants to connect with them during the walk. The doctors at the May 10 event included:

• Dr. Sean Wachtel, FNHA Medical Director, Health Services
• Dr. Unjali Malhotra, FNHA Medical Director, Women’s Health
• Dr. Michael Dumont, Lu’ma Medical
• Dr. Richard Vedan, UBC School of Social Work
• Dr. Scott Hodgson, Indigenous Family Medicine Residency Program, UBC

Read the full post here!

SmartNet Support Renewal

Closing Date: May 29th 2019, 4:00 PM PDT

More info

Environmental Health Officer
Location: Fraser 
Deadline: May 30, 2019 at 4:00pm

Senior Coordinator, HR Governance
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: May 31, 2019 @ 4:00pm

Business Analyst - SharePoint Upgrade Project
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: June 5, 2019 at 4:00pm

Recruitment Specialist
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: June 6, 2019 at 4:00pm

Coordinator, Maternal Child and Family
Location: Victoria
Deadline: June 7, 2019 at 4:00pm

Coordinator, Regional Mental Health and Wellness Services
Location: Quinsam or Tsawout
Deadline: June 7 2019 @ 4:00 PM

Dental Therapist
Location: Prince George
Deadline: June 10, 2019

Senior Coordinator, Tobacco Cessation and Reduction
Location: Interior
Deadline: Open Until Filled

Find all job postings on our website.

Concurrent Wellness Disorder Specialist
Organization: Squamish Nation
Location(s): North Vancouver
Deadline: May 30, 2019 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Home Care Nurse Assessor
Organization: Squamish Nation
Location(s): North Vancouver
Deadline: May 30, 2019 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Team Leader, Elders Centre
Organization: Squamish Nation
Location(s): North Vancouver
Deadline: May 30, 2019 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Fisheries Biologist
Organization: Splatsin
Location(s): Enderby
Deadline: May 31, 2019 by 11:55 PM
Job description