GHS Oct 2014 Newsletter - Gitxsan Health Society

Gitxsan Health Society Newsletter October 2014
M I C R O S O F T
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Cancer Care
Nurse Report
2
Mental Health
Program
4
Halloween
Safety
5
IRS Program
6
FAST,
7
Gwalyeinsxw, &
Better at
Homes
Program
Kispiox Health
Centre &
PCAP/MCH
8
Gitanmaax &
9
Sik-e-dakh
Health Centres
FNHA info
10
Patient Travel 11
Gwalyeinsxw
12
Immunization 14
& Flu Info
2nd Annual
16
Salmon Run
Bursary
17
Program
Calendars/
Upcoming
Events
18
Message from the Executive Health Director . . .
Our thoughts and prayers from the Board and Staff go to those that have lost a loved
one and to those fighting illness. We were very busy over the summer with reorganizing our offices and moving. We would to thank the staff for all the hard work
that went into moving our offices. We would also like to thank the members for
their patience and understanding while we were moving and during this transition
phase. During the month of August our staff participated in a strategic planning
and team building session. This was to help our staff work together and to revisit
the mandate and vision of Gitxsan Health. Our staff work very hard throughout the
year and appreciated the time together, we had many laughs and worked towards
creating a healthy fun work environment. Part of Gitxsan Health’s mission is to work
towards healthy body, mind, and spirit. We have to start that process within each of
us, as staff and community members, if we can address the issues inside we can be
of more service to those in need. In the previous fiscal year our staff had 24,264
one on one encounters with clients in our nursing program, PCAP/MCH, and Mental
Health Department. This does not include the number of people seen by the IRS
Program, Better at Home Program, Patient Travel Department , Healthy Communities Facilitator program, Gwalyeinsxw program, FAST program, Dental/COHI program , Wellness Taskforce, and at our events/workshops. Our patient travel department does about 150 client travels per month.
Over the past few years our Board has been traveling to First Nations Health
Authority (FNHA) Caucus meetings to bring the concerns that our members have
voiced to us. We are very happy to share that the FNHA has heard the concerns and
made adjustments to patient travel rates. The day rate for meals for adults is now
$48 and for children it is $25, this is for travel up to 7 days. Mileage has also gone up
from 20 cents/km to 22.5 cents/km. FNHA has said that some areas will be
increased to 29 cents/km, based on criteria that is being built to determine which
areas will be eligible for the increase. We are pushing for our area to get the
increase. We will advise when we have an update from FNHA. I hope that you
have a good Thanksgiving. Take time to take care of yourself and talk to family and
friends if you are feeling down. We do have 4 counselors available to provide
confidential counseling services. Sincerely, Julie Morrison, EHD.
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2
Cancer Care Nurse Report- Rose Austin
The summer has been
very busy with the
planning of the 5th
Annual Cancer Awareness Walk which was
held in collaboration
with the Cops For
Cancer Tour De North
Fundraising Event on
September 15, 2014.
There were over 80
participants in the
Cancer Awareness Walk
2014 with over 200 people in attendance for the
banquet and fundraising
event. Congratulations
to all those who participated, volunteered, and
organized the event as it
was great success.
Special thanks for all the
sponsors of the event
also.
Winners of the Cancer
Awareness Walk 2014
Raffle were:
Hawkair Trip for two won by Matthew
Ranahan
Silver Frog Design
Earrings by Ron
Sebastian won by
Tiffany Joseph
$50 Esso Gift Card won by Raelene Austin
Matthew receiving his Hawkair Tickets!
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2014
PAGE
GHS 5th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk & Cops for Cancer Tour of the North
Big thank you to
Hagwilget Village
Council for
donating the use
of their newly
renovated hall.
The walk started at the
new Gitanmaax Health
Centre and ended at the
Hagwilget Gathering
Place.
Big thank you to all the people who walked to
support the Cancer Awareness Walk. Thank
you to the wonderful cooks. Thank you to the
people who generously donated to the
Gwee’ya. We raised over $5,000 for the Cops
for Cancer Tour. We raised over $800 from
our raffle that will go towards the costs for next
year’s event.
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4
GHS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
GHS is pleased to offer CONFIDENTIAL Counseling services to members from
Gitanmaax, Kispiox and Sik-e-dakh If you would like to see one of our Mental
Health Counsellors, please call either:
Alf Brady,
David Hockin,
Ricardo Pickering,
Tamara MacLeod,
Gitanmaax Health Centre at 250 842-6320
Monday - Thursdays
Gitanmaax Health Centre at 250 842-6320
Tuesday - Fridays
Kispiox Health Centre at 250 842-6236
Tuesday - Fridays
Sik-e-dakh Health Centre at 250 842-6876
Monday - Wednesdays
For after hours, if you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, confused, suicidal
or just need someone to listen please call:





Northern Health: Mental Health & Addictions at 250 842-5144
Wrinch Memorial Hospital 842-5211 or 911
CRISIS LINE 1 888 562-1214. It is available 24 hours a day
and days a week. It is confidential and they do not have call display.
YOUTH SUPPORT LINE at 1 888 564-8336 (teen)
that operates 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week, after hours calls are
directly forwarded to the 24 hour line.
YOUTH CHAT WEBSITE for youth in crisis or who may
need information or referrals. The website has the same hours as
The youth line. Check out the website
www.northernyouthonline.ca For SUICIDAL CRISIS,
call 1800 SUICIDE
If you know someone is having a difficult time dealing with a
divorce, break-up, or grieving the loss of a loved one, please reach
out to him/her. Check in with him/her to make sure they are doing
okay. Keep an eye on Facebook, if you see someone is in distress, call
them or notify their family.
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
Halloween Safety
PAGE
In amongst
all the trick-or-treating at Halloween time, the best treat of all is to have every ghost and
goblin return home safely!
Here are some tips and resources to help children have a safe and healthy Halloween!
Trick-or-Treat Safety







Wear reflective clothing and/or carry a flashlight
Stay in familiar neighborhoods
Do not go inside a house while trick-or-treating there
Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas of town
Children under 9 should go with a parent
Children over 9 should go with an adult and/or in a group with
older, responsible children
Make your home trick-or-treater friendly: turn on outside lights,
clear away objects and debris from driveways, steps and lawns
Street Safety






Walk, don't run
Walk facing traffic
Use the sidewalk whenever possible
Cross at street corners and use crosswalks if available
Go down one side of the street, then the other...don't dart from side to side
Drivers - slow down and watch for children
Costume Safety


Have children wear a costume and shoes that they won't trip in
Wear face paint instead of a mask
Fire Safety



Buy 'flame resistant' costumes
Remember to blow out all candles before bed, including those inside pumpkins
Teach children to tell an adult if they find fireworks, but not to touch them
Treat Safety



Hard candy, nuts, popcorn and gum are a choking hazard for children under 4
An adult should check through all treats - throw out any treats that don't have a completely sealed wrapper
5
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6
Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program
Hello Gitxsan men & women of our communities. My name is Cindy Martin from Gitanmaax;
Gisgaast, Wilps Dawa Muux. I am very pleased to be a new team member & apart of the
Gitxsan Health Society which offers invaluable support for Residential School Survivors in
Oct
the villages of Gitanmaax, Glen Vowell & Kispiox.
I visualize this team to become a part of your healing process. I’m very honored,
humbled & excited to be witness to the healing that will undoubtedly, over time, continue to
unfold within the villages. I am most certainly open to new ideas, stories, and you will find
that I also have compassionate listening ears.
“To catch the reader's attention, place an
Sneak Peak at the month of October
interesting sentence or quote from the story
Introductions @
here.”
Gitanmaax Elders Luncheon - A discussion regarding available funds for
residential school survivor’s educational personal credit. **Deadline for
application is October 31, 2014. I will be available at Gitanmaax luncheon every
Wednesday to assist people who need assistance filling out the forms.
Kispiox Elders Luncheon - I will be available after the luncheon every Tuesday
to assist people with education personal credit forms.
Glen Vowel - I will be available upon appointment on Thursday for the
Residential School Survivors in Glen Vowel to fill forms for the education
personal credit.
FREE MOVIES will be offered every Wednesday from 7 – 9pm at the
Tri-Town Theatre, starting on October 8th.
Gitxsan Health Society Newsletter October 2014
PAGE
Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program

WOMEN’S SELF-EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE will be held on Monday’s at the
Gitanmaax Salvation Army Church from 6 – 9 pm; open to all women. I am excited to
announce Marilyn George will be co-facilitating the 16 Step Empowerment Circle every other week.

HOME VISITS: Arnold Jackson & I will begin home visits to Residential School
Survivors over the month. I look forward to meeting each and very one! If you have a
specific time or day you are able to meet, please call me
LET’S WORK TOGETHER to revitalize, restore & heal through stories, ceremony,
songs, family & community!
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 250-842-6876 ext. 23 between 8:30-4:30 at my
office which is located at the Sik-e-dakh Health Station. If I am not available, please
leave a message and I will contact you at your earliest convenience.
FAST, GWALYEINSXW & BETTER AT HOME OFFICE
We are pleased to announce that Veronica Green will be the new FAST (First Nations
Action Support Team) Coordinator. She will be situated at the PCAP/FAST office at
2215 Cotton Wood Drive in Gitanmaax. She starts her new position on October 9,
2014. Welcome Veronica! We look forward to working with you! She will be
sharing the office with Melonie Green, Gwalyeinsxw Kids Leader, Melanie Angus,
Taskforce Coordinator and Linda Matthews, Better at Home Program Coordinator.
Veronica, Melonie and Melanie can be reached at 250 842-2320. Linda can be
reached by at 250 842-8581.
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8
Kispiox Health Centre & Administration
The Kispiox Health Centre has some changes in the staffing since August 1, 2014. We
now have Julie Morrison, Executive Health Director, Nancy Pierre, Finance Clerk, Yolanda
Stevens, Patient Transportation Clerk, Dan Matthews, Maintenance Worker, Bernice
Gawa Johnson, Receptionist (Term), Mary-Ann Speirs, Community RN, Raechelle Wilson,
CHLPN, and Sheri Wesley, CHLPN working in the Kispiox Health Centre. They join Jackie
Cosman, Dental Therapist, Ursula Muldoe, Dental Assistant/COHI, and Kellie Nyce,
Office Coordinator who have been working out of the Health Centre for some time. We
say a fond farewell to Louise Johnson, Finance Manager who has decided to leave her
position. We will thank her for years of service and hard work. We will miss her for her
expertise and knowledge. The Personal Care Aide on staff are Debbie Wesley, Betty Mulwain, Patricia Hockman, Christine William and Leona Williams (Casual). They rotate
between health centres. June Starr is the janitor for Kispiox and Sik-e-dakh.
Parent Child Assistance Program/Maternal Child Health Program Office
Our PCAP and MCH staff consists of Shelley Johnson, Wellness Coordinator
and Valerie Rubinato, Pansy Wright-Simms, Lorraine Half and Lorraine Moore.
The long term goal of the MCH and PCAP programs is to support pregnant
Gitxsan women and families with infants and young children ages 0 to 6 years of
age, who live on reserve, to reach their fullest developmental and lifetime
potential. The program is built on the principles of health promotion and disease/
injury prevention, early interventions and integration/coordination of services.
While services are provided to pregnant women and families with infants and
young children, it is also provided to families living with complex issues in their
lives and /or children who have special needs. Home visits provide information to
families with young children and to pregnant women. We will show families how to get
support from other community resources. The Mentors will work with you to assess your
need for services, develop a service plan with you, make sure you get the services you
need, and set up and get you to appointments. The Mentors can be there for you to give
you practical help and information on child development. If you have any questions
about our program, feel free to drop by our office at 2215 Cottonwood Drive in Gitanmaax
or give us a call at 250 842-2319.
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
PAGE
Gitanmaax Health Centre
The staff moved into the
new Gitanmaax Health
Centre on July 28, 2014.
We would like to thank all
of the staff who helped
make the big move and set
up the new offices. It was a
lot of hard work and heavy
lifting. Thank you to Peter
and Henny Beertema for
generously loaning us their
truck. It was greatly
appreciated. We made
some changes to the staffing at
the Gitanmaax Health Centre.
We have to say goodbye to Kia
Beertema, Community RN. She
has decided to leave GHS. We
would like to thank her for all of
her years of service and hard
work. We will definitely miss
her. Jessie Marshall, CHLPN, is
now working out of the Sik-edakh Health Centre. Good
luck Jessie in your new office.
Welcome to Mavis Sebastian,
Nursing Coordinator, Robynn
Muldoe, CHLPN, Kim
Trombley, Community RN
(Mondays and Fridays), Fernanda
Polanco, Heart Health Nurse/
Community RN (Tuesdays &
Wednesdays), David Hoskins,
Mental Health Counsellor, Alf
Brady, Mental Health Counsellor, Rose Austin, Cancer Care
Nurse/CHLPN (Wednesday &
Fridays), Richard Sampson, IRS
Manager, Arnold Jackson,
Healthy Communities Facilitator,
and Jaclyn Marshall, CHLPN.
Corrine Wale is on leave. We
have Kathleen Tom working as
the Casual Receptionist while
Corrine is away.
Sik-e-dakh Health Centre
The staff of the Sik-e-dakh
Health Centre had some
changes during the summer.
Keith Wale , Receptionist, is
on leave.
Welcome to the staff who are
now working at the health
centre. They are Jennifer
Sampare, Executive
Assistant, April Green,
Receptionist, Cindy Martin,
IRS Resolution Health Support
Worker, Stephanie Morrison,
IRS Resolution Health Support
Worker, and Kelsey Lynch, Local
Research Coordinator,
Canadian Alliance for Healthy
Hearts & Minds Study. They join
Kayte Bachmann, Community
RN, Fernanda Polanco, Heart
Health Nurse/Community RN
(Thursday & Fridays), Deanna
Whieldon, Diabetes/Wound
Care CHLPN, and Tamara
Tamara MacLeod, Mental
Health Counsellor.
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10
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
Medical Transportation Responsibilities for BC First Nations:
A FNHA client accessing medical transportation through the FNHA Health Benefits program, either through the community or the regional office, is responsible for:
• Giving sufficient notice, ideally 5-10 days (or more as per the community’s policy)
prior to leaving the community. This will avoid last minute confusion or having to cancel
appointments because arrangements could not be made in time.
• Adhering to the Medical Transportation Framework and regional/ community policies
on Medical Transportation.
• Obtaining all of the necessary paperwork for their trip prior to leaving the community
(i.e. referral from GP or confirmation of appointment with specialist).
• Getting prior approval for all non-emergency trips. The only exception is in the case of
a medical emergency.
• Attending their medical appointment as scheduled.
• Getting a signed Confirmation of Attendance (COA) signed by the Doctor/ Nurse
stating they have attended their medical appointment. The signed COA must be returned
to the Transportation Coordinator after the medical appointment.
• Protecting all of the original vouchers/warrants/receipts issued to them for their medical trip. Vouchers/warrants/receipts will not be reissued if lost or stolen.
• Giving notification when cancelling an appointment prior to the date of the
appointment; including 24 hours’ notice to cancel any hotel arrangements.
• Retaining and forwarding all required receipts.
• Not damaging property or abusing accommodation arrangements, such as causing excessive noise.
• Not becoming verbally abusive or threatening to the patient transportation clerk or
coordinator
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
PAGE
GHS Patient Transportation Department
All Patient Travel
medical referrals, TAP
forms, confirmation
forms, etc., can be
dropped off at any of
our health centres in
Gitanmaax, Kispiox or
Sik-e-dakh with the
Receptionist for faxing
to the PT Clerk or
delivery through our
confidential interoffice
mail system.
If prearranged in
advance, the patient
travel packages can be
picked up at your local
health centre. Please
call the PT Clerk to let
her know your wishes.
Telephone:
250 842-6236
250 842-5165 or
1800 663 9935
Fax:
250 842-5587
Weekends only:
250 842-8629 for
emergency travel.
Meal and Mileage Rate Increase, Health Benefits – Operations
Medical Transportation Program
Effective October 1, 2014: Health Benefits will be introducing an additional increase in the daily meal rate as
well as an increase in the kilometric (mileage) rate.
The additional investments are a direct result of our on-going dialogue with First Nations communities
and the First Nations Health Directors Association. As of October 1, the new meal and mileage rates are in
bold, as follows:

For trips that are up to seven (7) nights in duration:
$48 per night’s stay (increased from $40 per night’s stay)
$25 per night’s stay for children under 9

For trips that are seven (7) or more nights in duration, a weekly rate will apply
A maximum weekly rate of $163 per week, inclusive of the escort
The same-day travel rate of $10 for trips that are 6 hours or more in duration has not changed.
The per kilometre allowance for private vehicles will increase to $0.22.5/kilometre (increased from $0.20).
There will also be a $0.29/kilometre for communities experiencing higher travel costs. Health Benefits is
currently working with Regional Directors to determine criteria and processes for eligibility for the higher
rate.
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12
Gwalyeinsxw Program
Good Day Fellow Community Members,
It is a pleasure to work with the three beautiful communities, Gitanmaax, Kispiox and
Sik-e-dakh. I have been onboard with Gitxsan Health Society for the past three months as
the Gwalyeinsxw Kids Club Leader.
I find this job to be very rewarding and a tab bit of a challenge, but it’s a challenge that I love,
which is reaching out to the youth. It is a good feeling, waking up each morning, knowing
that I may make a big or a lil difference in a person’s life.
I feel very connected to the youth as I have my very own four children at home. I have tons
of compassion in my heart for them. It’s not easy out there in today’s society for our young
people, as we know they face many different struggles but with our help and guidance we
can make that difference.
My main goal is to promote personal and social growth to young people so when they get
older they will have a voice; I am big on empowerment and molding them in their tender
years. I will list of some of the exciting and successful events that we held in the past few
months:

A local Camping trip down at K’san: It was a blast. We pitched four tents, sang songs
around the fire, and shared breakfast in the morning.

Workshops: I have been calling on local expertise to do workshop on topics such as
Personal Hygiene, Drugs and Alcohol, Internet Safety, Sexual Diversity, and Self Esteem.

Our Back to School Dance was a major success. We had 93 people signed in which was
pretty good considering there were no bus runs for this event.

I have been doing Smudging with the kids at the beginning of each kids club. The kids
are very in tune and interested in this process.
I look forward to continue working with our little “Elders in Training”. Thank you to my
community and co-workers for believing in me. I am truly honored to be working with the
youth. Thank you. Melonie Green, Gwalyeinsxw Kids Club Leader
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
PAGE
Gwalyeinsxw Summer 2014
13
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14
GHS IMMUNIZATION WALK-IN CLINICS
Open to adults, children and infants. Protect your child from many childhood diseases by having them immunized on time. Vaccines trigger your
child’s own immune system to make antibodies to fight diseases. For
immunizations to work it is important for your child to have the immunizations on time.
Immunization Schedule for infants/children/adolescents:

2 months

4 months

6 months

12 months

18 months

4—6 years

Grade 9
Please make sure your child is up to date on all vaccines/immunizations.
For information, please call your Community Health Nurse in your
community.
Kispiox Health Centre:
Every Tuesday & Wednesday
1 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
Gitanmaax Health Centre:
Every Tuesday
10:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Sik-e-dakh Health Centre
Every Wednesday
10:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
PAGE
15
2nd Annual Salmon Run -5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon
Doug Kelly, Chair, First Nations
Health Council joined the run.
Thank you to all the participants who came
from far and wide to do the run. Thank you
to all the volunteers, including staff, who
helped with the event. We appreciate all of
your help. We are building a healthier community one step at a time.
PAGE
16
Bursary Assistance Program for 2014
Gitxsan Health Society Bursary Program is designed to assist
students enrolled in a health related degree, diploma or certificate program. We offer it twice a year, two in the Spring
session and two in the Fall session.
Approved bursary
assistance is determined by (A) academic achievement and (B)
hardship/need.
The successful recipients for the 2014 Spring Semester Bursaries are
Tarissa French and Cole Laviolette. They will both receive $500.00 each.
Tarissa is a member of the Gitanmaax Band. She is currently enrolled in
her fourth year of the Bio-Medical Science Degree program at the
University of Northern British Columbia. We look forward to having a
Gitxsan member become a physician/doctor someday. That will be a
very special day for the Gitxsan nation.
Cole Laviolette, is a member of the Gitanmaax Band. He is currently in
his second year of the Associate Arts—Health & Physical Education program at Taft College in Taft, California. Proper training and preparation
for sports is very important to him. He wants to be able to help other
athletes with injury prevention and recovery. He made his own dream
come true by sending out videos highlights of his baseball skills to recruitment offices in different colleges. He was recruited by Taft College to
play collegiate baseball and further his education. Way to go Cole!
GHS VISION STATEMENT:
A healthy, unified Gitxsan Nation walking on the breath of our Grandmothers
and Grandfathers.”
GITXSAN
HEALTH
SOCIE TY
NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2014
Upcoming Events for October 2014
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17
GHS BOARD MEMBERS
Gitanmaax Elder’s Lunch
Place: Gitanmaax Community Hall
Time: 12 p.m. Every Wednesday!
For info, please call the Gitanmaax Health Centre at 250 842-6320.
Co-sponsored by the Gitanmaax Brighter Futures program.
Community Luncheon
Place: St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall
Time: 12 p.m. Every Thursday!
For info, please call Arnold at 250 842-6876.
October 17, 2014
GHS Celebration of the new Gitanmaax Health Centre
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Gitanmaax Health Centre
For info, contact Jennifer at 250 842-6876.
October 29, 2014
Gitxsan Health Society Annual General Assembly
Place: Kispiox Hall
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Early bird door prizes and lunch available. For info, contact
Jennifer at 250 842-6876.
Gitanmaax Reps.
Rose Morrison
Dianne Shanoss
Kispiox Reps.
George Muldoe
Sadie Harris
Sik-e-dakh Reps.
Perry Sampson Jr.
Tony Sampare
Off Reserve Reps.
John Olson
William Starr
Kispiox Health Centre &
Administration office
(250) 842-6236 or
250 842-5165
Patient Transportation
(250) 842-5165
1-800-663-9935
(Emergency Cell)
weekends only
SEE INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER THE OCTOBER 2014 CALENDARS FOR :



IRS PROGRAM
GWALYEINSXW KIDS CLUB
PCAP/MCH PROGRAM
250 842-8629
Emergency (after hours)
250 842-8962
Gitanmaax Health Centre
(250) 842-6320
Check out our website at www.gitxsanhealth.com
Sik-e-dakh Health Centre
(250) 842-6876
PCAP/MCH Office
This newsletter is proudly produced by Gitxsan Health Society
(250) 842-2319
FAST /Gwalyeinsxw Office
(250) 842-2320