Central Institutions Seek "Necessary Assets for Addressing the Required Care Needs"

Central Institutions Seek "Necessary Assets for Addressing the Required Care Needs"

Urban Indigenous Friendship Centers Appeal for Permanent Funding to Close Health Disparities

Canada's Urban Indigenous Friendship Centers are urging the federal government to provide stable and sustainable funding to eliminate the persistent health disparities faced by urban Indigenous people.

Jocelyn W. Formsma, director of the National Association of Friendship Centers, advocated during a health governance summit in Montreal for a change in the government's approach to Indigenous people living in urban areas. She argued that neglecting their health needs perpetuates historical injustices.

With the formation of a new Parliament, Formsma called for the government to address the issue, noting the challenges faced by Indigenous people when seeking healthcare due to cultural, linguistic, and social barriers. She pointed out that urban residents represent a majority of the First Nations population across the country.

The Friendship Centers, present in nine provinces and territories, have demanded recognition of their expertise in primary care and stable, flexible, and permanent funding. According to Tanya Sirois, general director of Quebec Indigenous Friendship Centers, a national request for funding would amount to nearly $100 million a year to support more than a hundred Friendship Centers nationwide.

Friendship Centers aim to improve Indigenous people's quality of life in urban areas by offering health services adapted to their traditions and cultural realities. Patients can directly consult nurses or doctors at certain centers, while others may be guided by interveners navigating the public health system. In addition, many Friendship Centers have started proximity clinics, tailored to meet Indigenous needs, but they act despite minimal or non-existent federal funding dedicated to health services for urban Indigenous populations.

Addressing the reticence and mistrust of some Indigenous people towards hospitals is another key concern for Friendship Centers. The health system's existence of racism and discrimination against Indigenous people is well-documented, and Friendship Centers help bridge the gap, providing a safe and welcoming environment free of judgment. Raphael André's death in Montreal in January 2021 highlighted the importance of cultural security in health care, as coroner Stephanie Gamache emphasized.

In her report on André's death, Gamache recommended developing measures to adopt a cultural security approach for health and social services network interveners to build trust with homeless Indigenous users. André, an Innu, died of hypothermia in a portable toilet in downtown Montreal.

The current funding situation reveals a significant shortfall, with the government investing billions in climate action and related health projects for Indigenous populations, but without addressing the urban Indigenous health service funding gap highlighted by the Friendship Centers. The federal government has yet to provide the requested annual investment of $100 million to improve healthcare services for urban Indigenous populations, leaving a critical funding gap. The call for funding represents a significant step in addressing systemic inequities in Indigenous healthcare in urban environments.

1. The lack of permanent funding for Canada's Urban Indigenous Friendship Centers persists as a pressing issue, impeding the elimination of wide-ranging health disparities among urban Indigenous communities.
2. Science and the medical field have a crucial role in advancing healthcare for Indigenous people living in urban areas, particularly in the development of therapies and treatments tailored to their unique needs.
3. Chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular health issues pose significant challenges for the urban Indigenous population, highlighting the urgent need for improved health services.
4. Environmental factors, including air, water, and soil quality, can negatively impact urban Indigenous health and must be addressed in efforts to close health disparities.
5. Worksplace wellness initiatives could have a positive impact on the health of urban Indigenous workers by addressing the unique challenges associated with employment and medical conditions they may face.
6. Respiratory conditions and digestive health are common ailments among Indigenous people living in urban areas and require targeted interventions for proper management and treatment.
7. Eye health, hearing, skin conditions, and other physical health issues need to be prioritized to improve the overall well-being of urban Indigenous communities.
8. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, are prevalent among Indigenous people in urban settings and require dedicated efforts to provide support and resources.
9. Autoimmune disorders, which disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples, necessitate increased funding for medical research, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
10. The manufacturing industry can contribute to health disparities by exposing Indigenous workers in urban areas to harmful chemicals and substances.
11. Investing in mental-health programs, fitness and exercise facilities, and investing in health-and-wellness initiatives for Indigenous communities are essential steps to improve overall health outcomes.
12. The fast-paced, desk-bound nature of many careers can exacerbate health issues related to cardiovascular health, chronic diseases, and mental health for urban Indigenous workers.
13. Entrepreneurship and small-business ownership can provide economic opportunity for Indigenous people in urban areas, but may also introduce additional stressors and potential health risks.
14. Interior design can play a role in creating healing spaces within Friendship Centers and urban Indigenous healthcare facilities, fostering a sense of comfort and cultural security for patients and staff.
15. Cooking and nutrition programs can empower Indigenous people living in urban areas to make healthy food choices and combat health issues related to digestive health, diabetes, and heart disease.
16. Fashion and beauty industries have an opportunity to engage in diversity-and-inclusion efforts, providing representation for Indigenous people and promoting healthier beauty standards.
17. Food and drink choices can impact both physical and mental health, necessitating increased education and awareness about Indigenous diets, nutrition, and their relationship to various health conditions.
18. Leadership training and development programs can empower Indigenous people in urban areas to take charge of their communities and advocate for their health needs.
19. Diversity-and-inclusion initiatives at the workplace can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous workers, reducing stress and promoting mental health.
20. Cybersecurity awareness and training are essential for protecting the confidential health information of Indigenous people living in urban areas, ensuring their privacy and dignity.
21. Smart home devices, such as wearables and intelligent assistants, can play a role in promoting healthcare for Indigenous people by monitoring chronic conditions, tracking health metrics, and providing reminders for medications.
22. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a more active lifestyle, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and improving eating habits, can contribute to better overall health outcomes for Indigenous people in urban areas.
23. Outdoor living spaces, parks, and green spaces can provide opportunities for Indigenous people in urban areas to connect with nature, foster mental well-being, and promote physical activity.
24. Urban Indigenous communities can adopt sustainable-living practices, such as composting, recycling, and energy conservation, to promote environmental health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, allergies, and skin conditions.
25. Personal finance management, including budgeting, saving, and reducing debt, can help Indigenous people living in urban areas reduce stress, improve their quality of life, and prioritize health needs.
26. Banking-and-insurance institutions can offer programs and services designed to support Indigenous communities, providing financial stability, affordability, and accessibility for healthcare and other essential services.
27. Real-estate development can be positive in addressing Indigenous health disparities by providing safe and affordable housing options, as quality housing plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being.
28. Implementing data-and-cloud-computing solutions can help track healthcare trends, identify health disparities, and evaluate the effectiveness of various therapies and treatments for Indigenous people in urban areas, ultimately informing targeted health interventions.

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