Indigenous Health Website Launched
Some of the materials produced to break down barriers – photo 250News
Prince George, B.C. – What used to be Aboriginal Health is now Indigenous Health and the name change comes as a new Indigenous Health website has been launched.
Over the past year, there has been a great deal of work to partner with Indigenous peoples and communities, all with a goal of improving health outcomes in the Indigenous population. The idea is to provide care through a cultural lens and provide “cultural safety”.
That’s why a special video has been developed to help health care providers understand the history, the issues and make the health care system more welcoming for Indigenous people and their families. Understanding Indigenous cultures and practices can go a long way in making patients feel respected, and safe when entering the health care system.
“There are numerous examples of our community members entering the health care system being judged the second they cross through that door” says Nicole Cross, Regional Manager of First Nations Health Authority. “When First Nations people enter the major hospital system for example there can be an assumption by many people about the different things that are bringing them in. I have heard numerous stories about people who have gone in with issues with diabetes and it is assumed it’s a result of drinking.” She says the training that is provided to health care providers teaches them to not be judgemental, to be open to the patient’s story and understand them as an individual. “It’s really important in removing all of those stigmas and all of those beliefs which cause a barrier for our people to access that care.”
There have been efforts made to break down the barriers, things like, making space available for family to gather, providing areas where smudging can be done, decorating a hallway with portraits of First Nations Elders so a patient knows others have walked the same path.
The website itself, provides an interactive map which details services and information for people throughout the region. The website can be accessed here.
Comments
I have been sickened in the past by seeing natives treated like 3rd class citizens. Anything that helps them be treated as first class citizens, as they should be, is a good thing. Great website!
You’re right, Griz, I see the discrimination too, and wonder why it persists. Some folks can’t look beyond their automatic prejudice toward someone who is different from them.
But will a name change mean that people are treated any differently?
metalman.
If I was a front line health care worker I might be a tad insulted by this comment from a supposed manager,
“When First Nations people enter the major hospital system for example there can be an assumption by many people about the different things that are bringing them in. I have heard numerous stories about people who have gone in with issues with diabetes and it is assumed it’s a result of drinking.”
We don’t even have enough room for all the sick people but now we’re supposed to make space for family to gather? Seriously, unless your family member is dying, stay out of the hospital, you can visit them when they get released.
Diet and exercise are the two main determinants for diabetes. Many more Indigenous people have diabetes because of their change from a traditional meat and berries diet to the junk food now available everywhere.
As for your notion that visiting hours should only apply to the most critically injured, sick, or dying… good thing you are not in charge of anything!
The health care system is in disarray, having family members hovering around is a hindrance to the people trying to work. The hospital is not a Holiday Inn. People need to be in and out quickly.
“Diet and exercise are the two main determinants for diabetes.” What a pile of crap! Wife got Type 1 at 10 years of age.In many people it’s hereditary. BH, you an organ donor? Probably not.
As for visiting people in hospital, you and everyone else brings their viruses, bacteria in to hospitals every day, it is not a healthy environment to be in. If your loved one or friend is critically ill you should be wearing a mask when you visit, you just don’t know what you’re carrying in.
This story is about “Indigenous” Health Website, what does your wife have to do with this?
“National survey data have consistently shown that the national age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes is 3 to 5 times higher in First Nations than in the general population (2–5) and population screening has shown rates as high as 26% in individual communities (6).”
Please explain to the rest of us why Type 2 diabetes is so much more higher in the Aboriginal population then Griz!!!
You read crap, I live it. Do you even know if my wife is native?
Huh, read your comment a couple of times, does that mean you live crap?
A hospital is a hospital, It has a purpose for all people, space is scarce and the Smudging can be done in private. I had a uncle that lost a leg to diabetes ,my Grandmother and aunt also had diabetes all in the same family, I know it could happen to me so I am on guard. Diabetes can happen to anyone, keeping you weight down helps. I have heard you can replace Coconut Sugar for regular Sugar??
The good news is First Nations have their diabetic strips paid for by their medical , they run about $100.00 a box, if you do not have medical you are up the creek without a paddle. I have First Nations relations who are very lucky to have their health care and schooling paid for and have taken advantage of it, I wish.
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