NAN Pandemic Influenza Communications Protocol – Confidentiality
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
In order to protect the right of individuals and the autonomy of NAN’s First Nation communities, NAN is not in a position to disclose any details regarding confirmed cases of H1N1. It is entirely at the discretion of our member First Nations Chiefs and Councils to determine if they will release any information confirming H1N1 cases within their community, and if they will inform NAN of confirmed cases.NOTE: NAN is a Political Territorial Organization (PTO) and not a health agency. NAN is only in a position to relay information regarding pandemic activities, such as confirmed cases of H1N1 or public health messages from health officials and other credible medical sources.
Health Canada Communications sent to First Nation Communities:
• H1N1 Flu Information Phone Line – 1 877 365 3623 (answered from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST, 7 days a week) – this toll free line provides general information about H1N1, infection control practices, how to care for family members, and how to avoid contracting the H1N1 virus
• Announcement of Doreen Cachagee, Community Pandemic Planner hired by Union of Ontario Indians – Doreen’s role is to assist First Nations communities across the province in all PTO territories to develop, update, and test their pandemic plans
• Health Canada’s Public Service Announcement – Know What to do to Fight H1N1 Flu Virus
NAN’s Updates:
• NAN Pandemic Influenza Communications Protocol – its purpose is to ensure rapid coordination of communications to NAN First Nations and to communicate consistent messages regarding the H1N1 situation within NAN First Nations
• H1N1 Containment Strategies – Protecting Our Communities – respectfully requests First Nations to notify NAN directly of any confirmed cases (Health Canada will not disclose to anyone which First Nations has confirmed cases due to confidentiality reasons), to encourage that NAN First Nations continue to implement infection control measures to reduce transmission
• NAN Travel Directive for H1N1 – to guide travel issues regarding H1N1 but that First Nations have the discretion to limit or restrict travel to and from their communities
• NAN Pandemic Influenza Communication Team: Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Melanie Goodchild-Southwind – Director Health Policy & Planning, Joyce Hunter – Director Communications, Sarah Perrault Public Health Policy Analyst
NAN’s Communications via Conference Calls re: H1N1:
June 17, 2009 – Health Canada/COO/PTO’s regular weekly conference calls ** NEXT CALL JUNE 25, 2009
June 16, 2009 – Health Canada hosted conference calls for health directors, Chief/Councils from communities, Tribal Councils, and health authorities throughout the day Zone by Zone – ** NEXT CALL TO BE CONFIRMED BY HEALTH CANADA
June 15, 2009 – NAN hosted a conference call with NAN Tribal Council Health Directors, Health Authorities. ** NEXT CALL TO BE CONFIRMED BY HEALTH CANADA
Pandemic Plans:
Each First Nations community should have their pandemic plans revised and updated
If you require assistance:
• Doreen Cachagee, Pandemic Planner can be contacted through Tony Jocko (UOI) at 1 877 702 5200 ext 2313
• Dr. Geoff Dunkley, Community Medicine Specialist – Health Canada at 613 954 2408
• Surabhi Patel-Widmeyer, Health Emergency Coordinator – First Nations & Inuit Health at 807 737 5865
If you have any questions regarding H1N1:
• Contact the FNIH Nurse within your community – as they are updated weekly by the Zone Nursing Officers at FNIH, the Zone Nursing Officers are updated by the Regional Community Specialist at Health Canada
• Health Canada’s toll free number: 1 877 365 3623
• Dr. Lilian Yuan, Regional Community Medicine Specialist – Health Canada at 416 973 2008
• Sarah Perrault, Public Health Policy Analyst at NAN 807 625 4913
Joyce Hunter on 6/24/2009
