Aboriginal Health

Programs & Services

In order to help improve the health status of Aboriginal people within VCH, a number of programs and services have been developed that are inclusive of Aboriginal customs and practices related to health and wellness. These programs have been developed to encourage and help Aboriginal community members to access the health care services that they require. Aboriginal community members are not limited to Aboriginal programs and services, rather they are encouraged to access as many programs and services within VCH as they need to help them lead healthier lives. In addition to these services, please see our Healthy Living page to find out how you can begin to live healthier today.

Aboriginal specific contracts held by the VCH have been consolidated under Aboriginal Services to develop a consistent administrative approach and expectations across the system. The Aboriginal Services Contract Cost Centre has an allocation of approximately four million dollars in fiscal year 2002/2003 from three streams of funds:

VCH Aboriginal Services, with an allocation of about $1.9 million. This consists of community health services contracted to Aboriginal agencies and/or to agencies that provide services to the Aboriginal community. This funding stream also includes projects funded under the Sharon Martin Community Trust Fund.
Aboriginal Health Initiative Program, which is directed at health education, promotion and illness prevention projects, particularly in the areas of addictions, mental health and chronic disease. It has a current allocation of approximately $0.8 million.
Service contracts formerly administered by the Ministry of Health Services, which have now been transferred to the VCH. These contracts have an allocation of approximately $1.3 million in 2002/2003.

Find Programs

Please contact your First Nation directly to find out what programs and services they may offer, or that may be in your area. Click here for a list of the First Nations within the VCH Region
To find out what services are in your Health Service Delivery Area (region), please visit the BC Health Authorities – BC Ministry of Health

To see a listing of other VCH Programs & Services see our Search for Services page or for community led programs and services within the VCH Region, see our Community Resources page.