Media Advisory: The Alberta First Nations Telehealth Change Management Project Offical Launch
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO: The Alberta Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, 7 & 8, Elders, Staff and community members.
WHAT:The Alberta First Nations Telehealth Change Management Project Official Launch. A community Telehealth demonstration will occur during the press conference.WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 3PM.
WHERE: The Coast Plaza Hotel, 1316-33 Street NE, Calgary, AB.
WHY: To strengthen and enhance Alberta First Nations’ access to health care services. This Regional project has the capacity and potential to serve 44 Nations and is the largest First Nations Telehealth project in Canada.
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For further information, please contact:
Nicole Robertson, Communications Advisor
Muskwa Productions & Consulting
(403) 616-4999
nicole.robertson @ telus.net (no spaces)
AFNTCMP Backgrounder
Project Goal
The Alberta First Nations Telehealth Change Management Project provides an opportunity for Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8 First Nation communities to implement change management processes to enhance clinical Telehealth services. These processes will assist in establishing an environment of collaboration, structure, skill building, increased capacity and readiness within First Nations communities.
History
Many First Nations communities in Alberta have had access to videoconferencing technology for some time, accessing educational sessions and some clinical Telehealth services. In 2006, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta took the lead on a planning project to determine the requirements for expanding clinical Telehealth, based upon a recognized need that Telehealth could provide increased access to health care services for Alberta First Nations communities. This increased access to specialized services would have tremendous impact for First Nations in Alberta, especially those that are more remote and have limited number of health care providers. Current project include, Diabetes Care, Mental Health, Discharge Planning, Family Physician Services and Visitations. The possibilities are endless, including Community Medicine, Public Health, Emergency, Geriatric, Oncology, Psychiatry, Cardiac, and the list goes on and on.
Significance
The AFNTCMP is an initiative forged with the intent to strengthen and enhance Alberta First Nations’ access to health care services. This Regional project has the capacity and potential to serve 44 Nations and is the largest First Nations Telehealth project in Canada. It also has the potential to improve the lives of First Nation members through improved health services, providing access to a wide array of health care specialists, reducing travel times and keeping families together in the community.
Governance
The Project is led by a Steering Committee with written representation from the Grand Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8. dedicated and knowledgeable of telehealth, working in conjunction with non voting members from Canada Health Infoway, and First Nations and Inuit Health. A Terms of Reference has been developed, and regular Steering Committees are held monthly. The AFNTCMP is a First Nations lead, governed and managed project that will work with First Nation communities in addressing their Health priorities.
Sponsor
The project is sponsored by Canada Health Infoway which is a federally funded independent not-for-profit organization that invests with public partners to implement and reuse compatible health information systems. First Nations and Inuit Health also contributes greatly to the project by providing medical expertise, technical expertise and assistance, and by providing communities with videoconferencing equipment.
Communications Plan
The AFNTCMP is in the process of developing a comprehensive communication plan to ensure that the First Nations of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8 remain informed in each facet of the project. We are dedicated to keeping First Nations communities involved and ensuring that any input and concerns be managed respectfully by the Project Team. The AFNTCMP is committed wholeheartedly to working collaboratively with Alberta First Nations in the development of this initiative and look forward to building healthy, strong communities together as it is a First Nations driven project. We also look forward to celebrating the ‘Launch’ of the project at the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs meeting in Calgary on February 10th, 2009.
Project Team
The Project team consists of the following:
Project Lead – Wendy Twin, Treaty 8 Health Director
Project Manager – Alayna Many Guns
Project Consultant – Terry Brown
Administrative Assistant – Margaret McKay
Treaty No. 6 Change Management Liaison – Jerome Yellowdirt
Treaty No. 7 Change Management Liaison – Brad Heavy Shields
Treaty No. 8 Change Management Liaison – Robbi Lawrence
Treaty No. 8 Change Management Liaison – Ronald Sunshine
Contact Information
Alberta First Nations Telehealth Change Management Project
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
Attention: Project Manager
18178-102 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5S 1S7
Telephone: 780-444-9366
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