$9.5 Million for Aboriginal Health

By 250 News

The Province of B.C. has taken another one of the steps as outlined in the Transformative Change Accord signed in November of 2005. 

That agreement set as its top priority, the closing of the gaps between First Nations people and British Columbians in the areas of health, education, housing and economic  opportunities.  It also  set a ten year target to make major progress.

Today, the Provincial government  announced the funding  for closing the gap on health.

$9.5 million dollars has  been provided to the First Nations Leadership Council to improve First Nations health.  The priorities for that spending were outlined in four areas of the First Nations Health plan that was developed last fall. 

1.Establish  mental health programs to address susbtance abuse and youth suicide

2. Integrate ActNow BC stretegy with First Nations health programs to reduce incidence of preventable disease like diabetes (diabetes among aboriginals is 40% higher than the  rest of the  B.C. population)

3 Establish  pilot programs with Northern Health,and build the Lytton Health Centre to improve acute care and community health services utilizing an integrated approach to health and community programs as directed by the needs of First Nations; and,

4) Increase the number of trained First Nations health care professionals.

There are 29 action  points in the plan.

Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council, welcomes the government's commitment   "Our long-term success in closing the health gaps will require sustained political will, resourcing, and collaboration among all parties involved."

There was more than money announced today.  The Province has also appointed  Dr. Evan Adams as the first Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor .

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