Karen Meades, CA

There is a gap between the health status of Inuit Canadians and that of non-Inuit Canadians.

Reporting on health status is difficult due to a lack of comprehensive and comparable information and data. This results in an incomplete picture of Inuit health status.

In addition, socio-economic status, housing, employment, educational attainment and other factors impact on the health and well-being of the Inuit.

What we do know - on most indicators where there is health data available for Inuit, Inuit fare far worse than not only their non-Aboriginal Canadian counterparts, but their First Nations and Métis counterparts as well.

OHSNI is working to improve the health status of the Inuit. The program has realized tremendous growth since its inception in 1997.

 
OHSNI provides a unique case management and delivery of specialty health case services to the residents of Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut referred to medical specialists in Ottawa. Our program also includes interpretation services. Baffin-Larga, a separate corporation, provides food, accommodation and transportation for the Qikiqtani patients.

Innovation is a core value in everything we do, from program development, evolution, to implementation of new service programs. Currently, OHSNI is modeling a transitional care program intended to fill the gap in services provided to patients discharged from hospital; requiring help with activities of daily living, or a supportive care environment while undergoing further out-patient treatment and diagnostic procedures, or recuperating from a major health crisis, or no longer requiring acute care in the hospital.  These non-hospitalized patients are usually receiving aggressive cancer treatments; recovering from major surgeries and extensive trauma; or coping with a complex chronic health conditions. The main focus of the transitional care program is the provision of personal service worker with supervision from a registered practical nurse to support patients with their activities of daily living.

OHSNI is a not-for-profit organization with a strong sense of self, a resounding spirit, and a deep commitment to our purpose. We recognize the implication of the indicators of Inuit health. We have an extremely strong tradition of Inuit culturally-sensitive involvement and a passion for helping make Canada’s Inuit health even better.

I encourage you to learn more about our fine organization! A great way to do so is to visit us virtually as you touch this Web site.

Karen Meades, CA