Picture Worth 1000 Words

First Nations: ER triage scores in Alberta

A study conducted by Patrick McLane, Cheryl Barnabe, Leslee Mackey, Lea Bill, Katherine Rittenbach, Brian R. Holroyd, Anne Bird, Bonnie Healy, Kris Janvier, Eunice Louis and Rhonda J. Rosychuk found that First Nations people in Alberta recieved different triage scores than other populations. According to the researchers, “Systemic racism, stereotyping and differential access to health care resources (especially primary care), as well as factors such as communication and level of patient trust in the health care system, may all contribute to differences in triage scores between First Nations and non–First Nations patients.”

Click here to read the study.

Systemic racism and healthcare?

“Ni cta ni akohikon – That hurts me
Carol pe ntamici – Carol, come see me
Ni taci sa micta mackikikatakoiin – They are overdosing me on drugs
Wipatc tca – Do it quickly

Those were the chilling words of Joyce Echaquan, broadcasting live from Facebook on September 28, 2020 at 10:27 am (English translation provided).” Click here to read the full article.

Gay Men’s Health Summit

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The 2016 Gay Men’s Health Summit will be held at Simon Fraser University on November 9 and 10th, 2016. Over the two-day event, topics to be addressed include how technology and social media are helping to improve the health and well being of gay and bisexual individuals, challenges faced by trans men within the gay community, suicide prevention, racism, racial issues, and mental health. There will also be a workshop on the role Truth and Reconciliation recommendations can play in organizations. Click here to find out more about the Summit and to register for the event.

Patient Voices Required

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If you live in or near Vernon, British Columbia and are interested in improving health care, this may be of interest to you.

The Patient Voices Network is in search of volunteers in Vernon.

The Interior Health residential care framework redesign advisory committee is looking for 10 to 14 volunteers to share experiences they’ve had with the health care system in order to provide feedback to the institution. “It’s through a patient lens,” said Carol Stathers, PVN Okanagan engagement leader.

The volunteers may also help with putting together patient educational pamphlets.

Click here to continue reading.

Indigenous Health Conference


If you are going to be in Toronto in the latter part of May, here is an event you might want to check out.

Indigenous Health Conference: Towards Health and Reconciliation
May 26-27. 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Topics include: Health disparities, disease among Indigenous peoples in Canada, cultural competencies, safety working with Indigenous peoples, and strategies towards reconciliation and health equity.

Speaking at the conference will be:
Dr Evan Adams, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Regional Chief Isadore Day, Dr. Karen Hill, Dr. Malcolm King, Dr. Barry Lavallee, Chief Wilton Littlechild, Gary Lipinski, Dr. James Makokis, Dr. Faisal Moola with Dr. David Suzuki, Dr. Ian Mosby, Dr. Earl Nowgesic, Natan Obed, Dr. Kent Saylor and Dr. Tom Wong.

Click here for more information and to register online.

Continuing Care & Community Living Expo 2016

On Thursday, April 21st, the Continuing Care & Community Living – Expo 2016 was held in Calgary. This event, sponsored by Alberta Health Services and Covenant Heath, focused on introducing individuals and their families to new initiatives, opportunities and technologies relating to independence and aging.

Below are some tweets that @aircalgary sent while attending Expo 2016.

If you were unable to attend the Continuing Care & Community Living – Expo 2016 in Calgary, you have a chance to do so on Friday, May 6th in Edmonton, Alberta. As was the case in Calgary, admission and parking are FREE. To learn more about the event, including the topics that will be addressed, click on the image below.

Expo2016