Communicable Disease Control
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Immunizations
The Preventing Infectious Diseases Program focuses on interventions, policies, and teachings that promote healthy lifestyles and equip individuals and communities with the abilities and resources to make healthy choices. This program recognizes that the infectious diseases in our communities are a symptom of social conditions among which include inadequate housing. Our approach to infectious disease management recognizes and addresses these conditions and is not just focused on diagnosis and treatment.
Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program
Other Infectious Diseases:
The Preventing Infectious Diseases Program is currently in the process of expanding services to include other infectious diseases and infection prevention and control (IPAC) issues that are of concern to our communities. Please stay tuned for updates.HIV/Hepatitis C Prevention Strategy:
Are You At Risk For Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV?
Hep. B, Hep. C and HIV are a serious concern in today's world. Knowing the risks is a big step to preventing them but if any of the following applies to you, get tested right away.
- Have you ever had sex without a condom?
- Have you every had oral sex?
- Have you ever used a needle that was used by someone else? (drugs, piercings, tattoos, etc.)
- Have you every used a drug tool that was used by someone else? (pipes, straws, spoons, filters, water, etc.)
- Have you ever shared a sex toy?
Protect Yourself, Your Friends & Your Family
You can protect yourself and you loved ones by following some simple precautions. And remember, you can always go to your local nursing stations for Condoms, Clean Needles, Testing and Immunizations.
- Always use lubricated condoms for sex (vaginal or anal)
- Use dental dams or condoms for oral sex
- Never use someone else's needles, spoons, straws, water, filters or pipes
- Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections
- For your general health, you should never reuse needles
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of public health principals, practical strategies, and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substances use. People use needles to inject drugs because they have an addiction. We understand that recovery from addiction is a process and not everyone is able or ready to change. Rather than demanding or expecting abstinence, a harm reduction approach meets people where they are at.
The goal is to reduce harms associated with high risk behaviours, provide quality care and to promote small steps forward towards healthy living free of drugs. Currently NHBS supports Opioid Overdose Prevention, in addition to education and support.
Injury Prevention
The NHBS recognizes the importance of injury prevention, including but not limited to, falls, motor vehicle crashes, violence, water/boating safety and suicide attempts.
Background and Current Initiatives
Injuries are higher in the First Nations population compared to the provincial average. Motor vehicle crashes, for example, are one of the leading causes of injury and death for Aboriginal people, especially males between the ages of 15 – 24. Injuries are also aggravated in rural and remote communities because of few health care facilities, hospitals or first aid being readily available.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the injury prevention program is to reduce the number of injuries amongst all Fort Chipewyan residents. Three areas of focus include first aid, violence, and water safety.
The NHBS recognizes that rural and remote communities have difficulties receiving prompt emergency first aid services. In partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the NHBS is in the process of developing a plan to increase access to First Aid training and provide medical first aid kits to all Fort Chipewyan residents within the next 3 – 5 years.
In collaboration with the Red Cross, schools will be able to access materials so students can learn about water safety.