pdf download - First Nations Health Council

Health IssueMentalHealth AndSubstanceMisuseOn-Reserve• Revamp Mental Health and Addictions:o reflect it differently in Community Health PlansDesired Changeso Guide communities through resources and opportunities available, where they are, how to access.o Build compassion for women with addictions to decrease stigmao Include harm reduction methodso Incorporate holistic/ social determinants of health approach - mental health programs should incorporateother issues: diabetes, obesity, employment etc. – getting a job IS suicide prevention yet it isnot funded by mental health dollars• Networks & Transitions:o Coordination of all departments that are involved: programs, hospitals, response workers, RCMP(drug dealing) etc.o Promote coordinated healing approach from a large team – hospitals, treatment centres, individuals,communities, Chief & Council, families etc.o Networking for services with close by First Nations communitieso Transition plans from treatment back into community& familyo Conduct community dinners around positive themes or topics so community is not just bondingaround deaths and tragedies• Tracking & Planning:o Move forward and incorporate tele-healtho Implement a “passport to health care” – tracking cards for immunization of childreno Create contact cards laminated in wallets for emergency patients in hospital (name counsellor, nurse,First Nation, health director)• IRSS – Indian Residential School Survivorso Breakdown program silos (don’t use labels such as IRSS counsellor; instead use general term ofcounsellor)o Hire people with training to work with familieso Holistic approacho Give survivors a voice in programmingo Address general impact of violence, historical trauma in the context of residential schools14HEALTH DIRECTORS FORUM 2008 - SUMMARY REPORT