New position connects Aboriginal community to healthcare

June 26, 2012

Finning Canada partners with NLHF

Fort McMurray, Alberta – Alberta Health Services’ Public Health department has obtained funding from the Northern Lights Health Foundation and Finning (Canada) to support the Aboriginal community with the creation of a new position, Aboriginal Health Liaison Worker.

Based in the Thickwood Public Health Centre, The Aboriginal Health Liaison Worker’s role will promote awareness of the services and programs available to the Aboriginal Community and assist in ensuring the community can access these services and programs. In addition, the role will work to ensure that programs reflect the health needs of the aboriginal people, improve access and identify barriers to programs available through Alberta Health Services.“Finning believes that we need to continue to build strong communities where we work and live. We are proud to be able to support the Aboriginal Liaison Program and the Northern Lights Health Foundation as it reflects the core value of “We Care” that Finning and our employees hold in high regard,” says Brent W. Davis, General Manager Oilsands Operations for Finning (Canada). “This is another great day to be a Finning employee and to live in Fort McMurray.”

The Aboriginal Health Liaison position has had successful outcomes in various northern communities such as Grande Prairie, Peace River, Lac La Biche and others and AHS expects the same benefits in the Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

“With the support of Finning and the Northern Lights Health Foundation, we will now be able to provide this invaluable service and better support the Wood Buffalo Aboriginal community. The Aboriginal Health Liaison worker will make accessing health care an easier, smoother and more comfortable experience,” says Donna Koch, Executive Director Population and Public Health, North Zone.

“The support from Finning (Canada) in the development of this new position in Public Health is important to this region,” says Dan Fouts, Chairman of the Northern Lights Health Foundation, Board of Directors. “The new position will help bring us closer to our vision of connecting our community to excellence in health care.”

The gift will fund the position for two years with the intention of AHS to continue funding the position thereafter.

About NLHF

The Northern Lights Health Foundation was established in 1985 as the lead non-profit fundraising organization to support Alberta Health Services in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. In close partnership with Alberta Health Services, donors, volunteers and stakeholders, the Northern Lights Health Foundation raises and allocates funds to enhance quality health and wellness services for all residents of the Wood Buffalo region.

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For more information, please contact:
Susanne Chaffey
Executive Director
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-791-6178 Cell: 780-715-5881 Email: susanne.chaffey@albertahealthservices.ca

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