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Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Working Group

Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Working Group. Community Engagement with First Nations and Sioux Lookout Partners Ontario HIV Testing Conference June 12, 2013. Our Communities.

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Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Working Group

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  1. Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Working Group Community Engagement with First Nations and Sioux Lookout Partners Ontario HIV Testing ConferenceJune 12, 2013

  2. Our Communities The Sioux Lookout area is comprised of 31 First Nations and three municipalities (Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake and Savant Lake). SLFNHA works with the First Nations in the area to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people in the communities.

  3. STBBI Working Group Background • The Sexually Transmitted & Blood-borne Infection Working Group was established in 2011. • This was in response to an increase injection drug use and the detection of hepatitis C in the region. • That same year, chiefs in the area directed SLFNHA and the working group to develop an HIV / hepatitis C strategy for First Nations in the region. • Earlier this year, a media and education campaign was launched to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne infections.

  4. Membership Comprised of representatives from: • Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority • Northwestern Health Unit • Health Canada • FNIHB Sioux Lookout Zone • FHIHB HIV/STBBI Coordinator – Ontario Regional office • Community Medicine Specialist • Epidemiologist • Sioux Lookout MenoYa Win Health Centre • Physicians • Shibogama Health Authority

  5. Mandate Direction for the STBBI Working Group is provided by the Sioux Lookout Zone Chiefs • Resolution #11-06 Blood Borne Infections and Prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C • Resolution #12-06 Harm Reduction Strategy: Sexually Transmitted/Blood Borne Infections

  6. Community Engagement • Education • First Nation Mental Health workers and NNADAP workers • Health care providers • Schools • Youth conference (information booths) • Videoconference sessions • Client/patient outreach • Medical withdrawal support services

  7. Community Engagement • Presentations made to: • SLFNHA Board of Directors • Community Leadership • Chief’s Committee on Health • Health Directors • Municipal council • Police • Community Visits • Cat Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Mishkeegogamang, Lac Seul, Weagamow Lake

  8. Projects • Needle distribution program • Community spring clean up campaign • Media campaign 2013

  9. Projects • Needle distribution program • Started June 2012 in First Nations • Transferred to SLFNHA in January 2013 • Supplies: NWHU(OHRDP), SLFNHA, Sharps containers and condoms from nursing stations • Distribution to First Nations

  10. Projects • Community spring clean up campaign • Education to First Nations, local community partners, OPP in Sioux Lookout about safe needle disposal • Community clean up and safe needle disposal event in Sioux Lookout

  11. Projects Media campaign 2013 • Education on HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B, as well as sexually transmitted infections • Newspaper ads • Radio ads (translated into Ojicree) • In-flight magazine ads • Radio Q&A with physician • Television program – education and demonstrations about harm reduction

  12. Key Learning • Challenges • Initially, there were not dedicated resources or staff • Capacity limited due to member workloads • Stigmas and assumptions in community • Resistance and policies that did not support harm reduction (providing needles) • Limited involvement of individuals with HIV or hepatitis

  13. Key Learning • Successes • Involved key members of agencies to make the projects a priority • Dedicated members • Needle distribution program established • Funding secured for FTE, campaign and supplies

  14. Next Steps • Proposals submitted to Health Canada and the Ontario Hepatitis C Secretariat • Continue education and awareness campaign in First Nations • Ongoing prevention work • Overdose kits (naloxone) • Safer inhalation equipment • Continue to form and strengthen partnerships • Peer outreach with AIDS Thunder Bay

  15. Acknowledgements • HIV Testing Conference Organizers • All members of the STBBI team • Community partners • Health Canada

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