Media.Knet.Ca

Please note that the online survey deadline is this Friday, June 29 ... Please circulate widely so as many people as possible can provide input into the Federal government's planning efforts for improving the health of Canada's children and youth.

Go directly to the online survey at http://survey.confirmit.com/wix/p479525526.aspx?p=999

Minister Clement Launches On-Line Consultations to Improve the Health of Canada's children and youth - June 19-29

Federal Government press release ...

Minister Clement launches on-line consultations to improve the health of Canada's children and youth

OTTAWA -The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, announced today the launch of on-line consultations to gather opinions from Canadians on the health issues of Canada's children and youth.

"We have an important opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and youth," said Minister Clement.  "Still, we need input on how to truly make a positive and lasting impact not only on our kids, but on Canadian society as well."

Dr. Khristinn Kellie Leitch, Advisor on Healthy Children and Youth, is examining the health issues facing Canada's children and youth. Since her appointment on March 8, 2007, Dr. Leitch has met with a number of stakeholders from across the country as well as provincial and territorial government representatives.  The opening of the on-line consultations marks an important step in Dr. Leitch's mandate.

"The responses that I receive from this on-line consultation, combined with the information I am gathering from face-to-face meetings, will assist me in forming recommendations on key federal priorities and opportunities in the domain of children and youth health," said Dr. Leitch.

The consultations will be held on Health Canada's Web site from June 19, 2007, and will close at 23:59 (Pacific time) on June 29, 2007.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/public-consult/consultations/col/child-enfant/index_e.html

Dr. Leitch will report on the on-line consultation to the Minister of Health later this summer. Her advice and recommendations will inform the federal Health Portfolio on what actions it can take to best contribute to enhancing the health of Canada's children and youth.

Immediate Action Needed to Aid First Nation Communities - Families Suffering Third-World Like Conditions in Northern Ontario, Report States

SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION, ON, June 25 - Quick action is needed to help children and families in Northern Ontario who are living in third-world like conditions as a result of poverty, inadequate housing and health concerns, states a report released today by the North-South Partnership for Children, Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win.

"The conditions that people in our communities live in are unacceptable and must be addressed, as a matter of urgency," said Chief Connie Gray McKay of Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation.

In January, under the North-South Partnership, an assessment team of international humanitarian aid experts and others visited the First Nation communities of Webequie and Mishkeegogamang in northwestern Ontario to assess the quality of life for children.

The assessment team included representatives from Save the Children UK, Save the Children US, Save the Children Canada, the Ontario Office of Child and Family Services Advocacy, Tikinagan Child and Family Services, First Nation Chiefs and Elders, community leaders, parents and youth. The community assessment was organized by the North-South Partnership for Children and adapted an assessment model used by international aid agencies in response to emergencies such as earthquakes, drought and famine.

The final community assessment reports document issues of desperate poverty, inadequate housing and community infrastructure, serious health and mental health concerns, barriers to economic development, family and child-care issues, needs for greater opportunities for community participation, and significant gaps in social service programs. Many of these issues are similar to what one might expect to see in developing countries.

"We have come to understand that children and families up north live in desperate conditions," said Nicholas Finney of Save the Children UK, also a leader of the assessment team.

At present, few non-governmental agencies support remote First Nations communities. The community assessments and response plan will help change that by providing an avenue for support through the North-South Partnership, for individuals, companies and organizations who wish to get involved in support of First Nations looking to rebuild their communities. "They can become part of a growing Wee-Chee-Way-Win Caring Circle to improve life for First Nations' children," said Maurice Brubacher, co-chair of the North-South Partnership and member of the assessment team.

"Contributions from Partnership organizations have already touched the lives of many young people in our communities. But, as this recent report indicates, there is much more work that needs to be done to ensure that our children and families have the best opportunities possible," said Chief Scott Jacob of Webequie First Nation.

The community assessments have identified what needs to be done; and the North-South Partnership for Children is creating the means to do it. It is time to work in true partnership with the community members and leaders of First Nation communities to realize their solutions for their children, families and community.

Assessment reports can be obtained at:
www.northsouthpartnership.com

The North-South Partnership for Children, Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win is a group of voluntary non-government agencies and First Nations communities formed in 2006 to improve the quality of life of children in remote First Nation communities. The collective goal of the Partnership, as stated in the Partnership Terms of Reference, "is to build a network of caring relationships, learning from one another, and following the lead of First Nation leaders and communities, to create solutions to the urgent conditions and challenges in remote First Nation communities."

For further information: Jennifer Golden, 250 Davisville Avenue, Suite 503, jennifer.golden@ontario.ca,. (416) 325-5672

Letter from FNIHB Ontario Region Director ...

UPDATE UPSTREAM INVESTMENT PROGRAMS 2007/08

To: All Ontario Chiefs, PTO Health Directors, Tribal Councils

Ontario Region has received the Upstream resources for fiscal year 2007/08 for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI), Maternal/Child Health (MCH) and National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS). This means that, to date, we have received $8.3M to implement these programs inclusive of the $1.M to establish a comprehensive cross-training package for the communities, as well as establishing a comprehensive Training Advisory Committee.

The Upstream Investment allocation of $7.3M will be distributed in accordance with the recommendations presented at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA Meeting held on February 28th and March 1st, 2007. The implementation and communications for the rollout of the Upstream Investment programs in accordance with the recommendations will be provided at a June 26-27, 2007 meeting, to be held in London, Ontario. Once arrangements have been finalized with the hotel, details will be provided to all communities, Tribal Councils and Regional Authorities. Communities will be resourced to send a maximum of three (3) representatives as the ADI, MCH and NAYSPS sessions will be held simultaneosly. These representatives will be the contacts responsible at the community level for completing workplans and other reports in the three (3) upstream program areas (ADL, MCH and NAYSPS).

Implementation of the Upstream programs, at the community level, should begin between July and August, 2007 once the workplans have been received from the Communities with a full fiscal year allocation being provided for the applicable programs. Funding guidelines/criteria, and workplan templates will be provided to the First Nations at the June workplan meeting.

The ADI program will be implemented universally with the Region, and the individual communities who wish to maintain prior year relationships with Organizations must negotiate these arrangements internally, within the allocation provided.

The MCH program will be made available to those communities where the number of children aged 0 to 6 years plus the number of pregnant wormen (prenatal) is at least sixty (60). Communities can meet these criteria either individually or by working together, for example, through a tribal council or health service organization. Those communities not meeting the MCH program criteria may be approved for a funding enhancement to the existing ECD allocation. More specific information concerning the MCH program will be sent prior to the June meeting.

The NAYSPS program will be implemented by a proposal driven process for individual communities up to a maximum of $150K and up to a maximum of $300K for multi community initiatives through Tribal Areas or Regional Authorities. Templates for the proposals will be developed and provided at the June Workshop. Criteria for the proposals will be as presented at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA.

If you or your staff have questions on this matter, please feel free to contact:

• Renee Crompton ADI 613-954-5699
• Nicolette Kaszor MCH 807-343-5360
• Lynda Roberts NAYSPS 807-343-5357

At this time, we would to thank the Advisory Committee Members for their participation in forming and presenting the recommendations at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA held on February 28 - March 1, 2007. We will be asking the Advisory Committees will remain in place for fiscal year 2007/08 to assist in the review and preparation of the documents for the implementation of the initiatives.

Donna Barnaby
Director, Governance, Community Programs & Southern Operations
May 24, 2007

Ontario Government Press Release ...

McGuinty Government Expanding Telepsychiatry Services For Children And Youth - Increased Funding Will Enhance Access To Child Psychiatrists Across Ontario

TORONTO, May 10, 2007 - The McGuinty government is helping more children and youth with mental health and behavioural challenges get the help they need by expanding Ontario’s telepsychiatry program to 10 new rural, remote and underserved communities across the province, Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers announced today.

“Helping children and youth with mental health challenges receive the support they need to achieve their potential is a key priority,” said Chambers. “That’s why our government has increased funding for the children and youth mental health sector by nearly $80 million since 2004. And that’s why we will continue to strengthen community programs such as telepsychiatry, so children and youth get the services they need, delivered in an integrated and holistic way.”

Ontario’s telepsychiatry program is a creative solution for increasing access and reducing wait times for children and youth in rural, remote and underserved communities. It uses videoconferencing to provide children, youth and their families or caregivers with access to clinical consultations with a child psychiatrist without having to leave their local communities. It also provides agency staff with vital education and training to build their professional expertise, so they can provide better service to young people in these communities.

The additional $1.5 million investment this year brings the government’s total investment in Ontario’s telepsychiatry program to $2.4 million annually. These funds will support service delivery to 10 new rural, remote and underserved communities across the province through the addition of two new hubs to Ontario’s existing telepsychiatry network. The program’s capacity will be increased to provide approximately 1,400 consultations annually, beginning this year.

The two new hubs will deliver services to community agencies and are expected to be operational by the end of May 2007. They are:

• a Western Hub in London, operated by the Child and Parent Resource Institute in partnership with the London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Regional Mental Health Care London, Windsor Regional Hospital and the University of Western Ontario;

• an Eastern Hub in Ottawa, operated by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

The program is currently operated by the Hospital for Sick Children, the Central Hub, which delivers services to 14 communities in rural, remote and underserved areas across the province.

Since 2004, the McGuinty government has spearheaded other important changes that will build on and benefit children and youth with special needs and their families. As a result:

• Starting this year, Ontario’s children and youth with mental health challenges will benefit from an additional $24.5 million annual investment across the province. This builds on previous investments in more than 260 child and youth mental health agencies and 17 hospital-based outpatient programs.

• Children’s treatment centres are providing more services to almost 7,000 more young people with physical and developmental disabilities and other special needs. These community-based centres serve approximately 45,000 children and youth every year.

• The number of children with Autism receiving Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI) services has more than doubled since 2003 to more than 1,100, and children are no longer being discharged on the basis of age.

• More urban Aboriginal children and youth are receiving the support, tools and activities needed to make healthy choices through Akwe:go, a community-based program administered by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres and delivered in 27 Ontario communities

“We owe it to our most vulnerable children and youth to do all we can to help them reach their full potential,” said Chambers. “By strengthening supports for our young people, we are helping more children and youth become healthy, productive adults.”

Also see Fact Sheet -- Ontario’s Expanded Telepsychiatry Services

May 10, 2007
Ontario’s Expanded Telepsychiatry Services

Ontario’s telepsychiatry program is a creative solution for increasing access and reducing wait times for children and youth in rural, remote and underserved communities. It uses videoconferencing to provide children, youth and their families or caregivers with access to clinical consultations with a child psychiatrist without having to leave their local communities. It also provides agency staff with vital education and training to build their professional expertise, so they can provide better service to young people in these communities.

An additional $1.5 million investment this year brings the government’s total investment in Ontario’s telepsychiatry program to $2.4 million annually. These funds will support service delivery to 10 new rural, remote and underserved communities across the province, and add two new hubs to Ontario’s existing telepsychiatry network. The charts below show the areas served.

Hubs - Location




Current Sites - Location*


New Sites - Location*

AFN press release ...

AFN Health Access website site launched to mark National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day (Friday May 4)

     OTTAWA, May 3 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine will mark the 9th Annual National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day with the launch of a new web site that will allow people to register concerns or comments regarding Non-insured Health Benefits or health services in general.

     "Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions across North America, but it is a much more disabling and deadly disease for First Nations peoples as a result of poor diets and lack of access to medical services," said National Chief Fontaine

     "The great tragedy of diabetes is that it can be easily prevented or regulated through proper diet and exercise. But when you live in poverty, making healthy choices is not an option when there is no access to affordable foods and safe drinking water," commented the National Chief. "According to our own Regional Health Survey, 42 per cent of our youth and 60 per cent of our children are either overweight or obese. This is an appalling statistic.

     "We must eliminate the cycle of poverty and despair in order to empower our people to lead healthy lifestyles. This is one of the messages we will be taking to Canadians on the June 29th National Day of Action."

     In the meantime, First Nations citizens who are having difficulty getting health services, or who want to tell their stories, can visit the new Health Access site at www.afnhealthaccess.ca

     In 1999, AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine proclaimed the first Friday in May as National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day.

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

May 3, 2007

Backgrounder on Diabetes in First Nation Communities
              ----------------------------------------------------

     State of Diabetes among First Nations Peoples(1)

• The diabetes epidemic among First Nations is growing: 19.7% of First Nations adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. One in 8 First Nations women report having gestational diabetes.
   
• Diabetes is 3 to 5 times more common among First Nations than the general population. This gap has been increasing, alarmingly so among middle-aged men and older women.
   
• The rate of diabetes increases with age (one in 3 among those 55 years and older), among those living in isolated communities, among those who did not graduate from high school, and among those speaking or understanding a First Nation language.
   
• Many First Nations children and youth are at high risk of developing diabetes. First Nations youth are less likely than adults to eat a nutritious and balanced diet or traditional protein-based meats. 42% of First Nations youth are either overweight or obese. The rate is even higher among First Nations children: half of First Nations children are either overweight (22.3%) or obese (36.2%).
   
• A direct correlation has been found between First Nations childhood obesity and lower family income, overcrowding, poor nutrition, lower levels of physical activity and educational achievement.
   
• Diabetes poses a high burden to individual health and health care systems. All First Nations diabetics report adverse health consequences and over one-quarter have activity limitations. The rates of heart disease is roughly four times higher, and other co-existing conditions (vision, hands and feet, kidney) are higher among diabetics than among other First Nations adults.
   
• First Nations people have been drastically impacted by colonization, and its most shameful forms such as Residential Schools. The health and well-being of First Nations peoples has suffered. Forced relocation from our lands has severely limited access to traditional foods, and hunting, fishing and gathering of these foods.
   
• High rates of poverty and residential school experiences have resulted in depression, addictions and other mental health issues which influence nutrition and physical activity practices in First Nations communities.

     Access to Diabetes Programming and Services(2)

• Only 40% of First Nations diabetics attend a diabetes clinic or receive diabetes education, and only half monitor their blood glucose every day. More than one in ten First Nations diabetics had difficulty accessing diabetes education. 30% receive home care from family.
   
• First Nations diabetics are more likely to find that lack of Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and denial of approval for services under NIHB limit access to health care. In particular, First Nations diabetics are more likely to report difficulties in accessing medication, other medical supplies and hearing aids.
   
• Close to 13% of First Nations diabetics access traditional medicines.
   
• Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) renewed the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative in 2005 and tripled its funding: $190 million over 5 years. However, on October 19, 2006, federal Minister of Health, Tony Clement, announced a review of the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and the Canadian Diabetes Strategy to determine what lessons have been learned and what should be done next. This review was announced without any prior consultation with First Nations.
   
• The RHS Technical Report has concluded: "Given the pervasiveness of the disease, a population-wide strategy is required. With one third of adults 50 and older currently diabetic and with the prevalence likely to continue to increase in the next five years, almost all adults will be touched by the disease, either directly or through family, friends and neighbours. Each aspect of a comprehensive strategy (prevention, detection, treatment and control, research and surveillance) requires urgent attention." (73)

     AFN Response

• The AFN has launched a national campaign to Make Poverty History: The First Nations Plan for Creating Opportunity. One in four First Nations children live in poverty in contrast to one in six Canadian children. "First Nations poverty is the single greatest social justice issue in Canada," states National Chief Phil Fontaine. "Compared to Canadians, socioeconomic conditions have been compared to developing countries with health status well below the national average. First Nations people simply cannot afford the means to good health."
   
• In 2005, federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments indicated support for a First Nations Wholistic Health Strategy at the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal issues. This strategy addresses the determinants of health that are most relevant to First Nations and which emphasizes the significance of self-government in looking at potential new investments and partnerships in promoting positive health outcomes. Federal commitment to this strategy has not been honored by the current federal government.

     National and International Response

• On November 8, 2006, the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada and 500 experts gathered for its Building It Together Conference launched The Call for Action: "One in six Canadian children lives in poverty, and First Nations and Inuit suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes at a rate much higher than the general population," said CDPAC Conference Chair Dr. Catherine Donovan. "This is what we mean by helping the worst, first. The evidence is clear that poverty and chronic disease are related. It is time to radically reduce family and child poverty in Canada!" (3)
   
• A United Nations Resolution on Diabetes is being proposed under the Eradication of Poverty objective. Submitted by Bangladesh, the unite for diabetes campaign to gain worldwide support for the Resolution recognizes that: "Indigenous populations worldwide are at risk of being wiped out because of their genetic risk for type 2 diabetes. This combined with increased urbanization, higher cases of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and stress is resulting in very high rates of diabetes among indigenous communities. (...) For many it is a race against time to turn the epidemic around."(4) The United States Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee announced its support of the Resolution on November 10, 2006. However, Canada is not to date endorsing the Resolution.

________________________________________________________

1. First Nations Centre. First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) 2002/03: Results for Adults, Youth and Children Living in First Nations Communities. Ottawa: November 2005. 69-75. Available: http://www.naho.ca/firstnations/english/regional_health.php.
2. Ibid.
3. http://www.cdpac.ca/content/pdf/Newsroom/FINAL%20NEWS%20RELEASE%20NOV%208%20ENGLISH.pdf
4. http://www.unitefordiabetes.org/campaign/resolution/

-30-

/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229, cell: (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/

Press release ...

Governments Must Act on Biggest Epidemic in Human History - New IDF Consensus on Prevention of Diabetes is Launched

BARCELONA, April 26 - The diabetes pandemic is threatening to overwhelm global healthcare services. Today, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF - http://www.idf.org) launched a new consensus statement on diabetes prevention, to be published in the May issue of Diabetic Medicine, hot on the heels of a December 2006 United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for concerted international action.

"The UN resolution is a huge win in the fight against the biggest disease epidemic in human history. Diabetes is responsible for close to 4 million deaths every year. With 246 million people with diabetes now and 380 million people with diabetes by 2025, diabetes is set to bankrupt national economies(1)," said Professor Paul Zimmet, Director, International Diabetes Institute and co-author of the consensus. "Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, but it will take enormous political will on the part of governments to make this a reality. They can achieve this by creating the environment that allows individuals to make lifestyle changes. That is why we are calling on all countries to endorse the UN resolution and to target entire populations through the development and implementation of National Diabetes Prevention Plans."

The new IDF consensus recommends that all individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes be identified through opportunistic screening by doctors, nurses, pharmacists and through self-screening.

Professor Sir George Alberti, Past President of IDF and co-author of the new IDF consensus said: "There is overwhelming evidence from studies in the USA, Finland, China, India and Japan that lifestyle changes (achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity) can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in those at high risk(2-6). The new IDF consensus advocates that this should be the initial intervention for all people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as the focus of population health approaches."

In addition to the need for individual lifestyle change, IDF recognizes that there are powerful environmental forces that influence the behavioural, eating and exercise patterns of the community.

"Inadvertently, our own government authorities may have contributed to this epidemic by allowing developers to create urban social problems," said Professor Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill University, Montreal. "Urban sprawls are part and parcel of new developments without proper attention to building design, sidewalks, bike paths, public transport corridors, playing fields and friendly exercise areas that are essential and need to be accessible to people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

National Diabetes Prevention Plans will therefore require coordinated policy and legislative changes across all sectors including health, education, sports and agriculture, as well as the formation of strategic relationships. They must be culturally sensitive and targeted to mobilize all sectors of the community.

"Diabetes is already a massive social cost, and it is up to politicians to decide whether they will spend more and more money on acute care and drugs, or invest in prevention by supporting lifestyle change among the entire population," said Professor Alberti.

"A Kyoto-like agreement on diabetes prevention and management is needed among governments worldwide if we are to prevent this problem from becoming catastrophic," concluded Professor Zimmet.

For further information, please access the webcast of the press conference via http://www.idf.org/webcast/barcelona

Notes to Editors

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for more than 240 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents 200 diabetes associations in more than 150 countries. The mission of IDF is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF is a non-governmental organisation in official relations with the World Health Organisation.

About Diabetes

Each year 7 million people develop diabetes and the most dramatic increases in type 2 diabetes have occurred in populations where there have been rapid and major changes in lifestyle, demonstrating the important role played by lifestyle factors and the potential for reversing the global epidemic. A person with type 2 diabetes is 2 - 4 times more likely to get cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 80% of people with diabetes will die from it. Premature mortality caused by diabetes results in an estimated 12 to 14 years of life lost. A person with diabetes incurs medical costs that are two to five times higher than those of a person without diabetes, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 15% of annual health budgets are spent on diabetes-related illnesses (www.idf.org).

There is conclusive evidence that good control of blood glucose levels and management of high blood pressure and aspects of the lipid profile (blood fats) can slow the progression to or of type 2 diabetes, and substantially reduce the risk of developing complications (such as cardiovascular, eye and kidney disease) in people with diabetes.

Acknowledgment

The IDF consensus on diabetes prevention was supported by an educational grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

References

1. Diabetes Atlas, third edition, International Diabetes Federation, 2006
2. Pan X, Li g, Hu Y, Wang J, Yang W, An Z., Effects of diet and exercise in preventing NIDDM in people with impaired glucose tolerance. The Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study. Diabetes Care 1997; 20: 537-544
3. Tuomilehto J. Lindstrom J, Eriksson J, Valle T, Hamalainen H., Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. N Engl J Med 2001; 344: 1343-1350
4. Ramachandran A, Snehalatha C, Mary S, Mukesh B, Bhaskar A, Vijay V., The Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme shows that lifestyle modification and metformin prevent type 2 diabetes in Asian Indian subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IDPP-1). Diabetologia 2006; 49 (2): 289-297
5. Knowler W, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM., Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med 2002; 346: 393-403
6. Kosaka K, Noda M, Kuzuya T. Diab Res Clin Pract 2005; 67: 152-162,

For further information: Anne Pierson, Press Events Manager, IDF, Tel: +32-2-543-1623, Mobile: +32-475-343-788, E-mail: anne@idf.org;. Kait Ayres, Mandarin Healthcare Communications, Tel: +44-1727-854-239, Mobile: e+44-7850-374860, E-mail: kait.ayres@talk21.com.

From CBC News online ...

Aboriginal suicide prevention program not working, survey says
April 30, 2007 - CBC News

Health Canada's efforts to curb the high aboriginal youth suicide rate haven't been working, according to a survey of suicide prevention workers conducted earlier this year.

The survey by Ekos Research Associates, which was submitted to Health Canada in March, consisted of telephone interviews between January and March with 34 people working in the field of aboriginal suicide prevention, including front-line health-care workers, consultants and academics.

The results suggested that some of Health Canada's existing suicide prevention materials have been a waste of money.

Interviewees "generally dismissed the resources because they were thought to be culturally irrelevant, inappropriately worded, and lacking in actionable solutions," the report read.

"Several interviewees mentioned finding large numbers of materials sitting untouched in piles at post offices and hospitals and, distressingly, many suicide prevention workers said that materials were often discarded before anyone had the chance to look at them."

"Government-created materials and resources did not receive many favourable mentions from interviewees because they are often seen as unnecessary, ineffective, and wasteful of tax dollars," the report added.

"The suicide rate really hasn't gone down," said Mary Simon, president of the national organization Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. "In fact, it's probably gone up. So whatever has been done up to now hasn't worked."

Health Minister Tony Clement acknowledged that more is needed to fight youth suicide.

"If you're asking me whether a single pamphlet can make a difference, not likely," he said. "But I think pamphlets, along with other forms of media communication, all of these things are going to be part of the solution."

Social workers who participated in the survey said they don't even remember what was in the government pamphlets, and instead created their own posters, information sheets, workbooks and kits. Some workers emphasized getting youth involved in hands-on activities such as building hockey rinks and holding fashion shows and talent contests.

"In most cases, interviewees felt that governments should continue to play a funding role and should not expend resources on producing ineffective materials," the report read. "It was frequently stated that the federal government should support the people in the community in their efforts to create and distribute materials."

Survey respondents said they would prefer the government create multimedia kits for front-line workers that would include comic books, DVDs of "success story" testimonials from aboriginal youth and youth workers, as well as links to suicide prevention websites and toll-free telephone hotlines.

However, some workers in isolated and economically depressed communities said they would benefit from pamphlets and other basic suicide prevention information.

In 2005, the federal government launched the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, which will give funding to aboriginal communities to decide for themselves the best way of reaching out to young people. The Northwest Territories government says it is currently in the process of deciding how the funding will be spent.

Do you have a talent?  Are you in between the ages of 12-18? Smoke-free?

Do you have a talent you can show off? Can you sing? dance? do impressions? tell some jokes? you can do anything.

The last Audition date is on Wednesday April 25th at 6-9pm at 511 E. Victoria Ave. Regional Multicultural Youth Center right beside Armonies and across from Victoriaville. HURRY because Finale is on April 27th at D.F.C. High School

GRANDE PRIZE: iPod Nano

There are also a second prize

Ontario Hospital Association Presents:

OHA Region 1 NW Sub Region Aboriginal Health Care Conference - Building Collaborative Partnerships for Health Prosperity

September 25, 26 & 27, 2007

Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Road, Thunder Bay

Over the past few years, there has been an improved awareness and understanding of the importance of blending traditional healings and contemporary medicine into the provision of health care for Aboriginal peoples. Collaboration and a community approach is necessary to face both cultural and geographical challenges.

This in-depth, multi-stakeholder conference will highlight opportunities and success stories of integration and coordination among providers of health care in the north.

Building on sucess of last year's program, Working Together in Harmony & Balance to Improve Health Services, this year's event will highlight:

• HR Planning and Skills Development
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for Caregivers
• Governance Models
• Updates on Current Policy Directions
• Blending Traditional Healings and Contemporary Medicine
• Live Telemedicine Demonstration
• Patient and Child Safety
• Storytelling Circles hosted by Native Elders

In attendance will be health care providers from hispitals and health agencies across the province. The conference will feature a Poster Display showcasing innovation and best practices in Aboriginal health care.

To receive updates about this conference or to be mailed a brochure, please email rmoonah@oha.com

For registration and further information please visit our web site at www.oha.com/conferences

Press release ...

Team Spirit: Aboriginal Girls In Sport Call for Program Proposals

NOTE: Priority Areas Expanded AND Deadline Extended

Team Spirit: Aboriginal Girls in Sport is a national project designed to increase community sport opportunities for Aboriginal girls and young women (ages 9-18). Team Spirit is a partnership between the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle, and has received Sport Participation Development Program funding from Heritage Canada, Sport Canada.

CAAWS and the Aboriginal Sport Circle are now seeking proposals from organizations across Canada to develop and deliver a community sport program for Aboriginal girls and young women. Proposals from Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Yukon will be prioritized for this funding. Four programs will be selected to receive $3,000 in funding for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Proposals are due April 23, 2007.

To download the Call for Proposals and proposal template visit: http://caaws.ca/onthemove/e/aboriginal/communication.htm