Dilico Family Health Team Marks Grand Opening

NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday August 19, 2008
For Immediate Release

One of only three Aboriginal community-sponsored Family Health Teams in Ontario is open for business

FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, ON – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its Family Health Team, a newly renovated 5000 square foot facility attached to its Main Office building on Fort William First Nation. Today’s announcement reaffirms Dilico’s commitment to the well-being and balance of Anishinabek children, families and communities.“Today’s launch of Dilico’s Family Health Team is great news for families and individuals in northwestern Ontario,” said Marcia Pedri, Director of Health, Dilico. “Our team provides patient-centred care, embracing a holistic approach in the delivery of health services—this is definitely not new for us, as “holistic care” is part of Dilico’s credo.”

Under the leadership of the Team manager, Dilico’s Family Health Team includes a lead physician, two (2) nurse practitioners, a registered nurse, a diabetes educator and administrative support staff. In addition to these existing providers, the Team is in the process of recruiting physicians and a social worker. Unique to other Family Health Teams in the province, Dilico’s Family Health Team will offer a traditional healing program, which is presently in its development stage.

“The Aboriginal population is largely underserved and has several pressing physical and mental health needs,” said Pedri. “Of the 150 Family Health Teams in Ontario, only a dozen is community-sponsored like Dilico’s; and of this dozen, only three (3) focus on addressing the needs of the Aboriginal population. Since Dilico is governed by thirteen First Nation communities, this provides an opportunity to develop our programs and services based on the needs of our families and community members.”

“With today’s announcement we are celebrating one of our newer additions to the Dilico family,” added Dr. Donald Auger, Dilico’s Executive Director. “A family that cares for the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health of its families and communities. Our services are centred on our families and Dilico’s community governance structure ensures that we are responsive and accountable to our community members.”

Dilico’s Family Health Team provides health care services to 1,800 patients, focusing on primary health care including check-ups, vaccination, and prenatal and postnatal care. Core services include illness prevention, health education and promotion, screening and support as well as the monitoring and management of chronic conditions.

“Dilico has been delivering health care services for over ten (10) years,” said Pedri. “Having a new, updated space and a new model of care will make it easier for our health care providers to provide a much wider range of top quality services.”

The Dilico Family Health Team’s target population is comprised of three (3) groups: the thirteen (13) First Nations serviced by Dilico, Aboriginal people and their families residing in the Thunder Bay area, and the greater Thunder Bay community. While the Team focuses on meeting the health care needs of Anishinabek People, it is accessible to any individual regardless of their nationality.

“Presently we run two (2) urgent care walk-in clinics a week,” stated Pedri. “No appointment is necessary- visitors will receive health care from one of our Nurse Practitioners.”

The Family Health Team model aims to make primary health care more accessible. Health professionals work as a team and involve patients in the management of their health; thus, service becomes faster as patients are not left to navigate the health care system alone. This makes for a more rewarding experience for both patients and health professionals.

The Dilico Family Health Team is open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday and on Wednesday evenings until 8:00 p.m. More information can be obtained by calling (807) 626-5200 or by visiting www.dilico.com.

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care provides a range of responsive individual, family and community programs for the complete life journey of all Anishinabek people. The agency cares for the physical health, the mental health, and the health of the communities where Anishinabek people live by promoting wellness, preventing illness and trauma, and providing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Dilico’s programs and services are available for Anishinabek residents of any age in Dilico’s jurisdiction, and for children in the care of Dilico and their caregivers.

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For further information, contact:
Celeste Pedri,
Communications Manager
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
Phone: 626-7970/629-3367