Comunity Programs and Corporate Services

Health

 

The CMM Health Program offers services dedicated to health promotion and education in Mi'kmaq communities. Re-vamped in 2004, the program takes a wholistic approach to well being by considering physical, mental, spiritual and environmental factors involved in the lifestyles of community members. The CMM's Health Program involves four areas of concentration:

Rates of Diabetes among Aboriginal People in Canada are three-five times higher than those of the general population. The Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) program is designed to help address this issue within The CMM's member communities. The CMM employs a Diabetes Coordinator who facilitates workshops in a creative, personable manner for audiences of all ages. This program also arranges foot care clinics to community members and links members with other Diabetes support services as needed.

Native Hospital Interpreters Liaison Program provides support services to any First Nations patients receiving care in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. Interpreters help with translating English- Mi'kmaq and aid in explaining medical procedures to patients and their families.

First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy aims to promote awareness of the harmful effects of smoking with the goal of reducing the number of First Nations people misusing tobacco. Anti-tobacco workshops are offered to children and youth to educate them on the dangers of starting smoking. Smoking cessation programs are offered within communities to encourage those already smoking to give up the habit. The CMM even offered a Smoking Cessation seminar to staff. Fifteen staff members took on the challenge to quit tobacco use.

The purpose of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative is to increase awareness and knowledge of FASD and its effects within First Nations communities. The CMM's FASD Coordinator holds workshops and community visits to promote an understanding of what FASD is, how to prevent FASD and how to address the special needs of those with FASD. Family education and support is provided through seminars and resources provided by the coordinator.