First Nations Health Authority
Type | British Columbia Health Authority |
---|---|
CEO-Interim | Richard Jock |
Website | www.fnha.ca |
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is a health service delivery organization responsible for administering a variety of health programs and service for First Nations people living in BC.
Overview
[edit]The FNHA is part of a First Nations Health Governance Structure in BC that includes the First Nations Health Council and First Nations Health Directors Association. The First Nations Health Authority emerged from a number of Tripartite agreements between BC First Nations, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada that included the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan,[1] Tripartite First Nations Health Plan [2007],[2] and the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance.[3] A first for Canada, the FNHA is the first province-wide First Nations Health Authority in Canada. The FNHA plans, designs, manages and funds the delivery of First Nations health programs and services in BC. These community-based services are largely focused on health promotion and disease prevention – such as:
- Primary Care Services
- Mental Health and Addictions Programming
- Health Infrastructure
- Environmental Health and Research
- Non-Insured Health Benefits
The FNHA strives to improve First Nations health outcomes and close the gaps that exist between First Nations people in BC and the rest of the provincial population.[4] The FNHA serves both the urban and rural First Nations population that includes 203 communities throughout the province.
On October 1, 2013 the FNHA completed the second phase transfer of federal programs and services from Health Canada.[5][6]
Drinking water advisories
[edit]Drinking water advisories include Boil Water Advisory (BWA), Do Not Consume (DNC), and Do Not Use (DNU) are put in place by the FNHA's Environmental Public Health Services (EPHS).[7] FNHA in British Columbia monitors 285 community water systems in 193 First Nations in British Columbia. In 2011, 11 long term advisories that had lasted longer than 12 months, were lifted. In 2016 and in 2017, 7 long term advisories were lifted. By January 31, 2019 there were 10 Drinking Water Advisories in effect across 8 First Nation communities.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan" (PDF). health.gov.bc.ca. 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-01-24. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "Tripartite First Nations Health Plan" (PDF). health.gov.bc.ca. 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-01-24. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance – Canada.ca". canada.ca. Archived from the original on 2020-03-19. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ "Implementing the Vision: Governance of First Nations Health Services in British Columbia – Canada.ca". canada.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ "Assembly of First Nations – News & Media – Latest News – Assembly of First Nations Congratulates the B.C. First Nations Health Authority on its Historic First Day". afn.ca. 2013-10-02. Archived from the original on 2017-05-07. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ O'Neil, Peter (2013-09-30). "B.C. First Nations take over their own health care services". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on 2020-08-15. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ a b "Drinking Water Advisories". www.fnha.ca. 2019. Archived from the original on 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-09-29.