Indigenous Virtual Care Bridging Gaps and connecting Treatment Centres across Atlantic Region

Target audience: All Treatment Centre Staff and Mental Health Specialists

‍

To kick off the New Year AFNTS, ISC-FNIHB eHealth, and Atlantic Treatment Centres across the region gathered virtually on Jan 9, 2025, via Zoom and Poly X50/X30 with Zoom Rooms. The purpose was to bring everyone together to showcase Treatment Centres by connecting with the new Poly X50/X30 technology. Virtual care is the use of digital technologies to support, deliver, and enhance mental health services and improve the well-being of individuals. The objective was to discuss how virtual care services and processes allow providers and patients to break down barriers of distance and time and increase cultural support and access to services.

The gathering began by welcoming all Atlantic Treatment Centre staff to the virtual event. Laurie Nicholas, Knowledge Keeper from the Neqotkuk First Nation started the meeting in a meaningful way through song and saying the opening prayer. After introductions, Jacquelyn MacDonald, eHealth Clinical Nurse Specialist at Indigenous Services Canada, gave a presentation on “Virtual Care from a Clinical Perspective with a Focus on Service Delivery”. This was followed by a presentation titled "AFNTS: Who We Are and How We Support Virtual Care Technology Across the Region," presented by Allan MacKenzie, Director of AFNTS; Sarah Doucette, Operations Manager of AFNTS; and Nerissa Doucette, AFNTS Health Hub Coordinator.

All of the Atlantic Treatment Centres sites were connected with multiple staff participating and sharing across all provinces including Natuashish Healing Lodge in Northern Labrador. After the presentations, everyone moved on to the next item on the agenda: Gathering, Sharing, and Planning to help identify areas where virtual technology can support service delivery and programming for mental health and wellness. 

‍

During the discussion we heard about language and interpretation barriers however virtual care can assist with connecting clients and the community. There are many benefits to utilizing virtual care such as access to counselling, support, coaching and after-hour crisis assessments to name a few.

A partnership highlight includes the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and the First Peoples Wellness Circle, which provide valuable resources and training for front-line mental health and addiction workers. The event was well received by everyone, focusing on learning ways to increase utilization. Laurie Nicholas ended the meeting with a prayer.

‍

‍

‍