At this point the Health Program focuses on community health which is preventative in nature. Where necessary referrals are made to outside services for treatment. There are a number of mandatory services that must be provided to the community and these are tied to clinical guidelines. There are other programs that are more flexible and are based on the priorities of the community. The Community Health Programs work together to promote and support individual, family and community health. Community Health covers the following service areas: Community Health Nursing, Home and Community Care. Programs include the Pre-natal Nutrition Program, Maternal Child Health, Diabetes and other chronic conditions.

The Wellness Center (miyo-machihowin) understands and recognizes the importance of the whole person and the value in providing traditional, cultural and alternative wellness supports. Opportunities are available for traditional healing and cultural practices. The smudge room is available for members requesting this support, traditional medicines as gathered are available with teachings provided. Massage Therapy, Energy Healing, Reflexology, Art, and Music Therapy are available along with therapeutic counseling under the Mental Health and Addictions umbrella. Currently Equine Therapy is available for the children and youth.

Health Program Assistant  

This position supports the Health Program and ensures administrative structures are in place to ensure the work is done through standards of care. This includes program work-plans that are reflective of Muskeg Lake’s strategic plan. This position supports program implementation, evaluation, reporting and accreditation for quality improvement. The Prevention Program Manager is responsible to assist with staff support, training plans and evaluations.

Community Health Nursing

The Community Health Nurse is responsible to ensure that mandatory services are provided, tracked and reported on. This includes childhood immunizations; communicable disease control and emergency response planning. Pre and post-natal care; infant and child developmental screenings and follow-up; school health education; maternal child health, adult and Elder health care is provided. This position is responsible for the coordination and advocacy for new community health program initiatives through a team approach. COVID 19 testing is available upon request.

HIV Program: ‘Know Your Status’ is an initiative that promotes education, testing and linkage to care to prevent increased infection of HIV and Hepatitis C and advocates for the best care possible for those involved.

T.B. Program: This program provides support, advice, testing and tracing. The Nurse oversees the in school TB screening, traces individuals who have had direct contact with TB and are at risk for contracting or spreading the disease.

Home and Community Care Program

The Home Care program is a mandatory program whose role is to offer support services to members in the community to enhance the care given by family members to support individuals living in their homes independently as long as safely possible. This service is not meant to replace the family, it is a program that works as a team with the family to support the individual. The components of the Home and Community Care Program are:

Client Assessment                                                      Case Management

Home Care Nursing                                                    Personal Care

Home Support                                                             In-home Respite Services

Home Care Nursing 

The Nurse is responsible to complete client assessments to identify and plan for care; follow-up nursing care to individuals upon release from the hospital as instructed by the doctor; chronic disease education, screening and support such as diabetes, heart health and other chronic conditions.

Certified Care Aide  

The Certified Care Aide provides home visits, personal care such as minor dressing changes; home support-home maintenance and meals on wheels based on assessed need.

Maternal Child Health Program

The Maternal Child Health Program is a voluntary health promotion program for families with children aged 0-6. The program builds on the strengths of the community, family and individuals. It focuses on early intervention for families including high risk families (FAS, teen parents) which encourages and supports the father’s involvement. The MCH program provides pre and postnatal support/ follow-up and care. The program offers a home – visiting component with a skilled, trusting and supportive individual. The home visitor helps the family to provide a healthy and nurturing environment. A significant component of the program is the linkages made for families to community resources. The goals of the program include enhancing the growth and development of infants and young children, and to foster the healthiest mothers/fathers and families. Another goal is to improve the health outcomes for pregnant women and families with infants and young children.

Child Advocate:       

Under the general direction of the Community Health Nurse the Child Advocate offers support to pre-and postnatal individuals. The position assists the Community Health Nurse with well-baby clinics; education and awareness, training, mentoring and advocacy for parents. Home visits are offered as an outreach component to increase access.

Children’s Oral Health Initiative

The COHI Program assists the Dental Program. The Dental Therapist once COVID measures allows will resume dental services a couple of days per month to offer cleanings and minor dental work.

The COHI Aid ensures consents are signed, assists with appointments, does fluoride rinses and provides education and awareness