Released on March 26, 2008
Four innovative Saskatchewan health care projects will receive funding from the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund.
The Northern Health Strategy, the Chronic Disease Network and Access Program, the Saskatoon HIV Aboriginal Reduction of Harm Program (SHARP) and a maternal care program at the All Nations' Healing Hospital (ANHH) in Fort Qu'Appelle will receive a total of $3.8 million over two years.
The federal government established the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund in 2004. One of the objectives of the initiative is to help provincial and territorial governments adapt existing health services to better meet the needs of First Nations and Métis people.
"Saskatchewan's First Nations and Métis population faces serious health care challenges," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "It will take innovative thinking and cooperation among all health care partners to address those challenges. These projects are good examples of this approach."
"The Government of Canada places a high priority on closing the gap between the health status of Aboriginal peoples and that of other Canadians," said federal Health Minister Tony Clement. "Health Canada's Aboriginal Health Transition Fund plays an important role in achieving this goal."
"I would like to congratulate the successful proponents on taking the initiative to address some of the barriers that First Nations living in Saskatchewan face in accessing health services," Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chief Guy Lonechild said. "Adaptation of provincial health services must be done in partnership with First Nations to be successful. These projects are the beginning of what I hope will be long-term partnerships that lead to improved health services and better health outcomes for all First Nations children and families in this province. Meaningful innovation and significant transformation of the health system must be driven by partnerships with First Nations in Saskatchewan."
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette said the project is a great step toward making the health care system more responsive to the needs of the Métis people.
"We can not improve the health of the Métis people of Saskatchewan in isolation," Doucette said. "Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities makes good sense. Partnerships and inclusion will go a long way to undoing some of the disconnect our people have with the health system. We are committed to working together to improve the health status of Métis people."
Regional Health Authorities worked with First Nations and Métis organizations to develop the proposals, which were then submitted to the Ministry of Health for review. The ministry consulted with an independent panel of experts before deciding which projects should receive support.
- The Northern Health Strategy, which includes 13 partner agencies, will receive $770,000 to address health challenges in Saskatchewan's north.
- The Chronic Disease Network and Access Program will receive $998,000 to develop a seamless process for chronic disease management in the Prince Albert area.
- The Saskatoon HIV Aboriginal Reduction of Harm Program will use its $715,000 contribution from the fund to provide services for people affected by HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases or at risk of contracting those diseases.
- The Transition to a Multidisciplinary Primary Care Maternal Child Health Program will work to strengthen maternal health services at the All Nations' Healing Hospital in Fort Qu'Appelle. It will receive $1.3 million from the fund.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Health Canada
Media Relations
Ottawa
Phone: 613-957-2983
Luwayne Tanner
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Phone: 306-665-1215
Darlene McKay
Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-763-5356