Exploring new visions of aboriginal health care

VCH Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives is strengthening relationships with key partners, collaborating with the Public Health Association of BC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to host an evening Café Scientifique event on Thursday November 22nd.

This community event aims to encourage the general public to learn about current research and practice that is envisioning and shaping health care in new ways for Aboriginal communities. A panel of speakers will explore innovative models of integrated primary and public health in BC, with a focus on the specific context and priorities of Aboriginal communities. Primary and public health are points of first contact with the health care system for many and, thus, are topic areas of wide importance and influence.

Peter Vlahos, Regional Director of the Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives (AHSI) Department is pleased that primary and public health are the central theme of discussion. Improving access to and continuous care from family physicians and allied health professionals are essential to support healthier living and improved health outcomes in Aboriginal communities. Peter Vlahos highlighted the timeliness of this event, as VCH is leading an integrated primary and community care initiative with First Nations and Aboriginal communities in the region.

Establishing common definitions and understandings of primary care and public health and their points of overlap and intersection is a first step towards envisioning how care can be provided in a fair and appropriate way for First Nations and Aboriginal community members.

Featured speakers for the evening include:
Ms. Kim Brooks, Department Head, Yúustway Health Services Department, Squamish Nation
Dr. Annette Browne, Professor, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia
Ms. Mara Andrews, Consultant, Integrated Primary & Community Care Initiative
Dr. Marjorie MacDonald, Professor, Faculty of Human and Social Development, UVIC, CIHR/PHAC Applied Public Health Chair.

Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives team member, Diana Day – Leader, Aboriginal Community Engagement and Development is excited to facilitate this community event. Irving Rootman, Executive Member of the PHABC Board of Directors, and Co-Chair, Capacity Building Committee, spoke on behalf of the Public Health Association of BC and its involvement with this event saying:

“The Public Health Association of B.C. is delighted to partner with the Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives at Vancouver Coastal Health and the Canadian Institutes on Health Research on this Cafe Scientifique as it provides an excellent opportunity to continue our commitment to hold community events on public health topics of interest to the general public in connection with our Provincial Conferences. It also reflects our desire to help increase public understanding of Aboriginal health issues and to develop stronger working relationships with Aboriginal organizations and communities in British Columbia.”

All are welcome to attend this Café Scientifique.
Event details:
Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012
6:30PM – Doors Open / 7:00PM Start
Vancouver Public Library – Alice Room
Bottom floor – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Please RSVP: staff@phabc.org

Printer friendly PDF