Goals and Achievements
In April 2015, the IHN developed its 2015-2018 Strategic Plan based on the health needs of local communities and the health-specific recommendations identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Final Report and Calls to Action. The five key priorities identified were:
- Indigenous Cultural Competency
- Access to Traditional Healing
- Strengthening the Family Unit
- Mental Health & Addictions and Suicide Prevention; and
- Chronic Disease Management & Prevention
To support these priorities, the IHN engaged in a variety of activities from 2016-19 including:
- In partnership with Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (formerly SOADI) and other IHN organizations, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC) led the development of a plan to broaden access to mental health services, patient navigation, primary care, and traditional healing in Niagara. Support for a Niagara-based adult mental health case manager and the enhancement and coordination of an outreach program model in Niagara was approved by the LHIN Board in December 2016.
- In November 2016 and March 2017, the IHN hosted two community engagement gatherings in Niagara and Brantford respectively, attended by approximately 220 individuals. These gatherings brought together Indigenous community members, Indigenous health and social service providers, and mainstream health care organizations to learn, share, and discuss current experiences, barriers, and opportunities to improve health care for Indigenous communities. Feedback from these two engagements included recommendations in the areas of cultural safety, Traditional medicine, mental health and addictions, diabetes, home and community care, and end-of-life (EOL) care.
- To support the effective implementation of the Health Links model across the HNHB LHIN, Indigenous organizations including DAHC, Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (formerly SOADI), and three Friendship Centres were engaged and identified as care partners involved in developing coordinated care plans for Indigenous community members who would benefit from this approach to care.
- In February 2019, the IHN hosted a community engagement event in Hamilton, attended by approximately 47 individuals. This gathering brought together IHN members and mainstream healthcare providers who had already completed online Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. The intent of the gathering was to evaluate the benefits of the online Indigenous Cultural Safety training program and offer additional information and training to further their personal and professional development towards cultural safety and reconciliation. Feedback from the event confirmed the value of the online Indigenous Cultural Safety training and the need for more in-person education sessions and workshops for mainstream healthcare providers.