August 20, 2009

To: Manitoba First Nations and Tribal Health Directors

Re: Comprehensive Inventory of First Nations Health Staff

I would like to invite you to participate in a survey called the "Comprehensive Inventory of First Nations Health Staff". The purpose of the survey is to identify the number of First Nations health staff who are currently employed within Manitoba community facilities such as Health Centres, Schools, Wellness Centres, etc. This inventory will tell us what Health Human Resources (HHR) we currently have and what HHR we need to plan for the future of Manitoba First Nations health.

Presently, there is no data collected that accurately reflects the number of First Nations health care providers who are working within First Nation communities and urban settings. AMC is seeking to gather and compile this vital information to plan and prepare for the education, recruitment and retention of First Nations health care providers who work with our communities.

We recognize the value of your time, for that reason, AMC has developed an online survey. We request that you help distribute this information to other community facilities that also employ First Nation Health Care staff. A web link is also posted on the AMC website at www.manitobachiefs.com for those Directors who maybe unreachable via email. The online survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete for your ease and convenience.

If you are unable to complete the survey, we would appreciate it if you could designate appropriate staff within your organization. We encourage your participation as well as other facilities within the community.
*** First 100 respondents will be entered into draw to win a 1 year pre-paid subscription to SIRUS Satellite Radio***

We appreciate the time you have taken to contribute to this important initiative.

If you need any assistance in completing the online survey, or require a hard copy of the survey you may contact Leona Star, Health Policy/Researcher at 204-957-8457 or by email lstar@manitobachiefs.com.

Meegwetch,
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Ardell Cochrane
Director of Health

Click Here to take survey
Click here to downlaod survey

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Click here for more information.

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April 29, 2009

Latest news on Swine Flu

In Canada, 13 cases of Swine Flu have been reported so far, all from people who recently travelled to Mexico. Cases so far outside of Mexico have been mild. Symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with human swine influenza have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
Get your annual flu shot
Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has received a letter from the federal First Nations and Inuit Health branch stating that:

"FNIH is working closely with Manitoba Health on the care and treatment of people who may develop swine flu, and also on preventative measures.

"First Nation residents are included in all aspects of the response to swine flu. This includes access to antiviral medications, should that be indicated and acce4ss to a vaccine when one becomes available.

"FHIH is sharing all available health information with community health care staff."

In response, Grand Chief Ron Evans has contacted the Regional Director of FNIH calling for an emergency meeting to coordinate health care measures, including communications that will help First Nations prepare for the Swine Flu outbreak.

In his request for a meeting Grand Chief Evans wrote: "We must ensure that the health and well-being of First Nation people is at the forefront of this public health outbreak as it is rapidly evolving internationally ad has a potential to become a world wide Pandemic.

"As you are fully aware, First Nations have the lowest health status and it can be anticipated that the immunity and tolerance of our people to survive this disease is uncertain at best. We must ensure formal communicaton and measures of prevention and protections are immediately put in place."

Please find below links to the latest information on Swine Flu from the Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090427/en/index.html

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=5737

Sources: World Health Organization, Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, the Public health Agency of Canada and the Public Health Information Network.

Click here for more information

World Health Organization

Public Health Agency of Canada

Province of Manitoba