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A Holistic Approach to Pandemic Readiness

A Holistic Approach to Pandemic Readiness. An AFN Pilot Project Presented by Sucker Creek First Nation Health Team. Administration office. Project Goals. To determine if a holistic approach is a more effective way for First Nations communities to approach pandemic readiness

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A Holistic Approach to Pandemic Readiness

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  1. A Holistic Approach to Pandemic Readiness An AFN Pilot Project Presented by Sucker Creek First Nation Health Team

  2. Administration office

  3. Project Goals • To determine if a holistic approach is a more effective way for First Nations communities to approach pandemic readiness • Plan must work in partnership with current community disaster plan • Measure community knowledge of pandemic and influenza

  4. METHOD • Six members of the Health Team were core working group • Includes community health, home care, administration staff and Disaster Services • Input from elder’s society coordinator, community elders, and band staff

  5. METHOD - Questionnaires • Pre-questionnaires for community members via telephone. • 18 questions specific to influenza, self-care, pandemic knowledge, and holistic health (Appendix A) • 207 households in community • Each household was invited to upcoming community meetings

  6. METHOD – post-questionnaires • Post-questionnaires completed via telephone, home visit & after community meeting • Clearly shows increase in knowledge & level of confidence in readiness. • Identified more community assets than initially known • Increased understanding in self-care methods

  7. METHOD - community meetings • Community meetings specific to target groups: • Youth • Elders • Band Staff • Health Centre Staff • Chief & Council • General Community meetings

  8. METHOD – medicine wheel • Created community medicine wheel to explain holistic health before, during and after pandemic • Ideas from staff & elders for each quadrant • Input from community members at meetings (brainstorming sessions) • Identified assets & strengths • Identified areas of concern (unbalance in wheel)

  9. OUTCOMES • There is an increased awareness and understanding regarding influenza and pandemic preparedness.

  10. OUTCOMES • There is an increase in community members wanting to learn traditional ways and values.

  11. OUTCOMES • People understand that it will be a personal responsibility to provide for self and family.

  12. OUTCOMES • Although not measurable, we have perceived a change in the community mindset and see members beginning to work together despite past differences. There is also a sense of self-empowerment at the individual level.

  13. Highlights of Project • Elders from community willing to teach others about traditional herbs • What to pick, where to pick, mixing, protocols • Teachings will begin spring 2007 • Spin-off projects • Partner with local museum to identify and protect traditional land use areas • Recording elder’s stories regarding pandemic and/or traditional ways

  14. Highlights of Project (cont.) • Measured increase in understanding & awareness • What is a pandemic, seasonal vs. pandemic flu, self-care methods, etc. • More people interested in learning about traditional ways and values • Teaching self-sufficiency skills that can be used regardless of pandemic (canning, hunting, etc.)

  15. GAP 1: This is a short-term project – what will we do once funding runs out? SOLUTION: Request ongoing funding from INAC, FNIHB Partner more with others (FN, RHAs, MD, Town of HP) Use strategic funding again Other pilots?Proposals? Gaps and Solutions

  16. GAP 2: There is a need for more political support for emergency/disaster planning and pandemic readiness SOLUTION: Meet with new Chief & Council – discuss current readiness status; request support Meet with Treaty 8 Chiefs & Alberta Chiefs Gaps and Solutions

  17. GAP 3: There is a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding pandemic influenza SOLUTION: Start social marketing campaign to change people’s minds about pandemic; inform & involve Create booklet on self care & flu basics Increase flu clinic turnout Gaps and Solutions

  18. GAP 4: Lack of ownership of self care and self-sufficiency SOLUTION: Must look at long term solutions Teach traditional ways of self-sufficiency Look at mental and emotional barriers – find balance Gaps and Solutions

  19. GAP 5: Community Separation SOLUTION: Forgive each other – find balance Bringing people together to plan – involving everyone Gaps and Solutions

  20. Obstacles • Delay in funding • Short time frame • Lack of volunteers • Factors Beyond Our Control (FBOC)

  21. Recommendations • Promote a holistic approach in all aspects of health planning in First Nations • Fund Pandemic readiness as part of Contribution Agreements • Fund for position on reserve • Offer support, but respect community diversity • Make pandemic readiness a political priority

  22. Questions?

  23. Acknowledgements • Dr. Kim Barker, Public Health Advisor -AFN • Cindy Halcrow & Sucker Creek Elders’ Society • Elder John D. Moostoos • Elder Joe Willier • Ruth Richardson CDC Nurse Manager – FNIHB AB Region

  24. Pandemic Readiness Team • Janice Willier-Scott, Director of Health Services • Tanis Willier, Administration Assistant • Judy Capot, Home Care Aide • Jeanette Willier, Family Support Worker • Gloria Comeau, Family Support Worker • Patsy Calliou, NNADAP/Disaster Services

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