Aboriginal Health

Operational Principles Aboriginal Health, a department of VIHA's Population and Family Health clinical portfolio, provides hospital, community, home care and public health services. Vision Working together to improve the health of Aboriginal people.

Purpose:  

To provide respectful and responsive care for Aboriginal people and to have an enhanced presence both in the communities and throughout Island Health.

The Aboriginal Health Manager works with the individual and the community to address health needs in a culturally respectful manner. The Manager for Aboriginal Health is the contact person for VIHA Aboriginal Health program information.

The Aboriginal Liaison Nurse (ALN) understands that Aboriginal people often face special health care challenges. We strive to make sure that you and your family gets the right kind of health care advice, equipment and services. An ALN can:

• advocate on your behalf
• visit and provide support to you and your family members
• explain health care issues and help find answers to your questionss. ALNs support you in making informed decisions.
• with your approval, keep family and caregivers up-to-date on your health care status
• support consultation with family physicians, specialists, hospital staff and other care providers. Can assist you to contact other appropriate community resources for further support, if and when needed.
• help you to navigate the system in if you have a complaint
• connect you with an Elder fro spiritual and emotional support. May assist with other cultural needs as requested.

The North Island Aboriginal Health Dietitian works to improve food security in First Nations' communities and the aobriginal urban population from the Comox Valley to Port Hardy. Food security means having access to safe, culturally acceptable, affordable, and nutritious food. The priniciples of food security are sustainability self-reliance, and social justice. The dietitian works to help communities access healthy food and enjoy good nutrition through projects such as:

Community Nutrition Initiatives

• Garden Creation Projects
• Food Skills
• Finding funding and linking resources to community
• Linking communities to VIHA health services
• General health information and resources Population Served North Island Aboriginal people and communities