AHS launching navigation service for Indigenous Peoples

“It is essential Indigenous Albertans have access to the healthcare services and medical information they need,” says Tyler Shandro, Alberta Minister of Health.

“Providing navigation services will better support Indigenous patients and their families, and is an important step to improving health outcomes for Indigenous Albertans.”

The service has hired a full-time Indigenous patient navigator, Chloe Crosschild, a Registered Nurse, and a member of the Blood Tribe (Kainai).

“My own experiences fuel my passion to close the health equity gap for Indigenous Peoples in the South Zone,” says Crosschild.

“This position will better assist Indigenous Peoples to navigate the complex array of programs and services AHS has to offer. In doing so, my hope is that Indigenous Peoples will experience positive and meaningful encounters with the healthcare system.”

The project also includes:

Developing an Indigenous Patient Passport to help patients with their plan of care between home, the doctor’s office, outpatient clinics, and the hospital.
Compiling community and clinic profiles that identify the health services and supports available (on and off-reserve) to help with discharge planning and ensure continuity of care.
Co-designing a medical body chart translated into Blackfoot, as well as a Cultural Practices Guide to provide a resource for healthcare providers to identify common clinical practices from an Indigenous cultural perspective and offer tips for connection to provide culturally safe care.

The team will be seeking feedback from patients, providers, and stakeholders to ensure ongoing improvements can be made.

by Connor Gunn

AHS launching navigation service for Indigenous Peoples

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