FNHA Partners with KUU-US on Culturally Safe Crisis Response. Those in need of support can call 1-800-KUU-US17

“KUU-US has developed an excellent culturally safe approach for working with our people before, during and after crisis. In light of Canadian Mental Health Awareness Week, the FNHA is excited to partner with KUU-US to make this service more widely available, especially for those living in small and remote communities,” said Joe Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations Health Authority.

Read the full article here! 

In July 2015, Chief Executive Officer Joe Gallagher, BC's Deputy Minister of Health and CEOs of the provincial health authorities signed the historic Declaration of Commitment: Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services for First Nations and Aboriginal People in British Columbia.

As the Declaration states, “This commitment reflects the high priority we place on cultural safety and humility as essential dimensions of quality and safety within the First Nations and Aboriginal health services for which we are responsible.”

The FNHA is working with provincial and regional health partners to truly breathe life into the declaration. Stay tuned for more to come, in the meantime: Watch the Two Minute Primer here!

By Lucy Barney, RN MSN

Babies are precious beings and sacred gifts from the Creator. Throughout the life cycle - birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, elderhood and death - different teachings arrive at each stage of being.

Unfortunately sometimes, babies leave us too early due to medical conditions or preventable accidents. It is important for all families to know that recently there has been an increase in infant deaths related to unsafe sleep practices in BC.  What can we learn from these instances? What can we do to prevent other babies from departing to the Spirit World too soon?

Read the full blog here

By Gina Gaspard RN, MN, GNC (c) and Cindy Preston, BSc (Pharm), RPh

Did you know?

One of the most important and yet often overlooked barriers to wellness is over use of medications. There is a tipping point where multiple medications can actually make you sicker. The long word used to describe this phenomenon is polypharmacy.

How much is too much?

The short answer is - it depends. Generally the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects increases with the number of medications...Learn more and download the poster

Reg Sam is from the Tseshaht and Ditidaht First Nations and serves as a Field Supervisor for the Regional Health Survey.  A recent Q and A with Reg highlights his calling to the work,  the importance of data for First Nations and the beauty and hospitality he has experienced in In the Field.

Tell us about your most memorable interaction so far?
One of the most memorable interactions I had so far is being in a community is when I had two surveys in the same home. They were both in our 55+ category. The household was very excited to have me in their home and made sure that my wellbeing was taken care of. I spent six and a half hours in this home and felt so welcomed and honored to be able to collect data that is so sensitive and personal at times. This home reminded me of the ways of hospitality and making sure people are being taken care of when they are in your house. Learn more about Reg's world here

By Anya Smith, PhD, Statistical Coordinator – Surveys

Building on the success of recent data governance forums the FNHA is initiating a series of ‘Research Rounds’ that aim to provide information about all things research. Research Rounds will answer many of the questions we have been hearing in the regions and will include descriptions about research processes, related definitions, considerations in research, and more! The first of these ‘Research Rounds’ describes some methods used in research to collect health information from people. Take me to Research Rounds Issue #1

Have a question you would like answered in a future issue of Research Rounds? Email Anya

The idea behind Walk with your Doc is simple.  Health care providers know the health benefits of walking, and in fact regularly prescribe walking to their clients to protect their wellness. Importantly, walking is also a great social activity, one that nurtures our spirit and contributes to improved health and wellness.

Walk with your Doc is an opportunity to meet with your health care provider outside of a clinical setting and talk about what is important to you. The FNHA is encouraging all First Nations to participate in the Walk with your Doc events happening May 7-14 across BC. If you're in the Vancouver area, we'll be hosting our own event May 9th at 11:30 AM at our Park Royal Offices.

Check out a walk near you

The New Relationship Trust Foundation has announced their Scholarships and Bursaries for 2016-2017 are now available to First Nations students in BC! FNHA is pleased to contribute to the NRT scholarship and bursary program for students in the health field. 

Find out more here. 

Read recipient stories here! 

Deadline for application submission is June 9, 2016.

Policy Analyst
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm
Job description

Manager, First Nations Health Research
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm
Job description

Data Collector Vancouver Island
Location(s) Various
Deadline May 16, 2016
Job description

Manager Data Analytics, Health Benefits
Location: Vancouver
Deadline  May 17, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job Description

Hyperion Enhancements RFP

Outreach Physiotherapist
Organization: Northern St'at'imc Outreach Health Service, Lillooet Tribal Council
Location(s): Lillooet BC
Job description

Infant Toddler Educator
Organization: Ksi Xy’ans Daycare Head Start, Laxgalts’ap
Location(s): Greenville, BC
Job description

Home Care Nurse
Organization: Dease River First Nation
Location(s): Dease River
Deadline:
Job description

Nurse Practitioner
Organization: Island Health
Location(s): Port Hardy
Job description