Vancouver Coastal Health delivers quality health services to the people and communities we serve. Read more...
Question: Why is Aboriginal Health so important?
Answer: For various social, economic, and historical reasons, Aboriginal people’s health is far below non-Aboriginal people’s health. A focus on Aboriginal health, can help to change this reality.
Question: Do I have to be a status Indian to receive health benefits?
Answer: A status Indian is someone who is officially recognized by the Government of Canada as a ‘Status Indian’. Not all Aboriginal people have status. The government of Canada only provides health benefits to status individuals. Non-status individuals must find a way to pay their own health premiums. Please click here to visit Health Canada for more information.
Non-Insured Health Benefits Information Booklet
Question: As a status First Nations person, why is my BC Medical paid for by Health Canada? What is the difference?
Answer: The federal government has accepted responsibility for ensuring the provision of health care services to Status Indians and Inuit. It currently provides a block transfer payment to the province for cost shareable programs, contracted services, and Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums for Status Indians. The federal government also provides funding for targeted programs that address particular health needs such as nursing care, nutrition, dental health, mental health, environmental health, communicable disease control on reserve, alcohol and drug abuse, and non-insured health benefits. The provincial government has direct responsibility for providing all aspects of health care delivery to all residents of British Columbia, including Status Indians and non-status Indians living off reserve, the Inuit, and Métis. Health services to Status Indians are provided collaboratively by the provincial and federal governments in partnership with the First Nations. In British Columbia, more than 50 per cent of First Nations are managing their own health services on reserve. Visit Health Canada for more information.
Question: Is there funding available to help pay for my travel expenses if I live on-reserve or in a rural area and have to travel to get medical attention?
Answer: If you must travel to receive health care treatment, depending on your health coverage and if you are a Status or Non-status person, you may be eligible for travel assistance through your medical coverage. You should contact your local health authority and/or the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch at 604.666.3331 or visit their website.
Question: What things can I do to help prevent injury, sickness or disease?
Answer: Visit our Healthy Living page to find out more about these and other important subjects that can help you to live healthier.
Question: What do people mean when they use the term mental health?
Answer: Generally when non-medical individuals talk about mental health they are talking about things like stress and depression. For medical professionals, it usually includes more specific thing such as serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, behavioural disorders and severe dementia. Visit our Search for Services page to find a mental health professional near you.
Question: Why do so many people have diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder when they are all preventable diseases?
Answer: Education is the key. We must all help to educate others about ways to help prevent many diseases. Also, it is true that in general these are preventable diseases, but for things such as diabetes and heart disease, some people may be more likely to be diagnosed with them due to their family medical history. But, some diseases can be prevented or the chances of getting them can be greatly decreased by eating healthier or by exercising daily. Visit our Print Health Education Materials page for more information.
Question: How do I find out if there is a First Nations Health Advocate at the hospital I am going to be at?
Answer: The only hospital in the VCH Region that has an Aboriginal Patient Advocate is the provincial BC Women’s Hospital. Currently, there are no Aboriginal Patient Advocates in VCH facilities. However, most hospitals have Social Workers who can help with various issues. Visit our Search for Locations page to find the contact information for a Health Centre or Hospital near you.
Question: Where would I find information about emergency preparedness for rural and urban communities?
Answer : Please visit the Emergency Preparedness Week website for more information.
Question: What do people mean when they use the terms holistic care or holistic health care?
Answer: The Aboriginal worldview sees health as a whole, which includes four aspects of a person’s being; Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. So when Aboriginal people say holistic care, they mean that a person can only be truly healthy if they are healthy in all four areas. In mainstream health care, it is very similar, but not as specific as the Aboriginal worldview.
Question: I am interested in being a nurse, doctor, or working in the health care field, where can I find more information?
Answer: Please visit our Education & Training page to find out more.
Question: What is community engagement? How is VCH consulting with the Aboriginal community?
Answer: Please visit our Community Engagement page to find out more.
Question: When will VCH update its Aboriginal Health Strategic Plan?
Answer: The data needed to update the plan will be out in early 2007, and the new plan should be ready later in 2007
Question: Where can I find information about Aboriginal traditional health and wellness practices?
Answer: Many Aboriginal health and community based organizations and First Nations Bands should be able to connect you to information related to initiatives in your area. Otherwise, an internet search is always a good way to find out about what is happening throughout British Columbia and beyond.
Question: How can I contribute to the health of my community?
Answer: The first step is always with yourself. If you model healthy living, others are sure to follow. A healthy community cannot exist without healthy community members. Another good way is to find out what is working in other communities, and then advocate for it in your community. Many initiatives like talking circles or walking clubs do not need funding or great deal of planning. So start small and build from there. You can also visit our Healthy Living page to find out more.
Question: How can I find an Aboriginal doctor?
Answer: Please see the Find a Physician page on the College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC web site to find a doctor near you. You can find out more about Aboriginal doctors by visiting the Indigenous Physicians Association.
Question: What types of funding does VCH provide for Aboriginal health programs?
Answer: VCH provides project funding to community led initiatives that focus on improving the health of Aboriginal people within the region. The Aboriginal Health Initiative Program usually has a funding call in the fall of each year. Click here to find out more about AHIP.