By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Health Minister Addresses Tackling First Nation’s Drug and Health Crisis

Jul 8, 2016 | 3:14 PM

STAND OFF – Plenty of stories and tears were shared at a meeting between the Blood Tribe Council and Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott on Friday.

The minister’s stop in Stand Off was part of a series of discussions she’s held over the past week with First Nations communities across Manitoba and Alberta.

In those sessions, Philpott noted that every area has it’s unique challenges. However, struggles with prescription drug abuse, fentanyl in particular, and mental health have remained consistent themes.

Community members and organizations, like the Blood Tribe Police Service and Kainai Healing Lodge, involved in the effective treatment of such issues, presented poignant statistics about addiction and other mental health risks. But, Philpott said the most powerful information came from those who spoke about overcoming drug abuse in a community where it’s all too rampant.

Three individuals spoke about their dark experiences with fentanyl, and how committed services helped them get what they needed to move past it. All three are now months or years sober, becoming strong champions for people in similar situations.

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Philpott stated time and again that the Federal Government has made an “absolute committment” to being a part of the solution.

“We need to work with our partners in communities like this First Nations here in Alberta. We are determined to make sure that we raise public awareness, work with prescribers and providers so they have the tools they need, address the issues of access to opiods and effectively provide mechanisms for treatment and harm reduction.” she noted.

While much work still needs to be done, Philpott says she’s already impressed with the Blood Tribe’s dedication to stopping this destructive trend. In particular, she noted that they understand how factors like cultural loss, trauma and a lack of recreational opportunities contributes to the crisis. Philpott says it’s a comprehensive issue that requires a broad perspective, and can’t be dealt with in isolation

Other health issues that plague First Nations communities, including diabetes and infectious disease, will also be a part of the Federal Government’s response.