Our Services & Programs
This page provides a summary of all of NVHA’s services within each NVHA Department, including contact information. For more in depth information on each Department and it’s services, including contact details for staff members or to book appointments, either go to the Department pages on the website or click the Department names below to go directly to each Department page on the website.
Family Doctor
Our team of physicians offers compassionate, client-centred care tailored to each individual’s needs. Clinics in each community are open Monday to Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and doctors also do home visits for clients who are housebound.
For more information and each community’s contact details for clinic hours or after hours and to make appointments, click HERE.
Visiting Specialist Clinics
The Physician Services department hosts visiting specialist clinics such as rheumatology, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine, chronic pain management, and diabetes.
If you want to learn more about the visiting specialist clinics, click HERE to locate contact details for each community.
Nurses
Our dedicated and caring nurses are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support individuals and improve overall wellness in the community. Nurses are on hand to answer any health-related situation or question and are available during clinic hours and after hours.
For more information and each community’s contact details for clinic hours or after hours, click HERE.
Our offerings change depending on needs and resources. The following list shows our most common programming.
Immunization
Infant immunization is a key preventative health measure. We offer vaccination at all stages of life. Immunization of school-aged children is based on their informed consent (known as “mature minor consent”). We provide information and work with clients to respect their wishes. View the HealthLinkBC Mature Minor Consent information sheet HERE.
Support for individuals and families at all stages of life
- Pre-natal wellness visits
- Welcoming baby blanket ceremony
- Healthy baby programs
- Fitness programs
- Elders’ gatherings
Education
- Injury prevention
- Sexual health
- Nutrition
Cultural and Community Health
Cultural and Community Health Representatives (CCHRs) work alongside healthcare teams to improve and maintain the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and their communities.
CCHRs are deeply involved in public health program coordination, bringing a traditional wellness perspective that recognizes the connection between culture and health. They can act as a liaison between clients and health care providers, helping ensure spaces are culturally safe and appropriate. CCHRs are trained members of the Nisga’a Nation.
In crisis? Call 250-975-0991 anytime.
Crisis and Help Lines
Nisga’a Crisis Response
- Phone: 250-975-0991
Lisims RCMP
- Phone: 250-633-2222
NVHA after hours (medical) emergency
- Gitlaxt’aamiks: 250-633-2298
- Gitwinksihlkw: 250-633-2298
- Laxgalts’ap: 250-621-3423
- Gingolx: 250-326-2345
Kuu-us Crisis Line—BC-wide Indigenous toll-free crisis and support line
- General: 1(800) 588-8717
- Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050
- Child/Youth: 250-723-2040
Kids Help Phone 24/7
- Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Text word “connect” to access text support
Suicide Line – Canadian Mental Health Association
- Phone: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
- Phone: 1-866-925-4419
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness
24-hour phone and online chat with experienced and culturally competent counsellors; available to all Indigenous people across Canada.
- Phone: 1-855-242-3310
- On-line at hopeforwellness.ca
Victim Link BC—victims of family or sexual violence
- Phone: 1-800-563-0808
- Email: victimlinkBC@bc211.ca
Substance Abuse and Addiction Care
We offer:
- Help getting placed in treatment and detox facilities
- Counselling for addiction issues
Contact our alcohol and drug addiction counsellors directly:
- Gitlaxt’aamiks and Gitwinksihlkw
Leonard Robinson
250-633-5000
leonard.robinson@nisgaahealth.bc.ca - Laxgalts’ap
Bill Leeson
250-621-3274
bill.leeson@nisgaahealth.bc.ca - Gingolx
Kimberly Lincoln
250-326-2345
Kimberly.lincoln@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Your information will be completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone else in the organization.
Clinical Counsellor – Social Work Specialist
Devin Pollitt, MSW, RSW, is available six days per month in the Nass Valley. He provides support with anxiety, stress, addiction, trauma, relationships, crisis intervention, mood disorders, general counselling, and emotional challenges.
Set up your first appointment by calling Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611. After that, set up appointments directly with Devin at 250-615-6512.
For more information, see www.nihc.ca / Devin Pollitt.
Clinical Counsellor – EMDR Specialist
Jennifer Venditelli, M.Ed, RCC, is available six days per month in the Nass Valley. She specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, an approach to treating critical stress and trauma that is very successful.
To make an appointment, call Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611.
For more information, see www.bcacc.ca / Jennifer-Venditelli.
Clinical Counsellor – Neuropsychology Specialist
Deborah Barkowsky, MA, RCC, is available five days per month in the Nass Valley. She specializes in behavioural neuropsychology, cognition, and how our brain manages decision-making. She specializes in healing from trauma and abuse, as well as community initiatives to reduce violence.
To make an appointment, call Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611.
For more information, see www.deborahbarkowsky.ca.
Clinical Counsellor – Nisga’a Specialist
Brenna Doolan, M.Ed, RCC, is available on a locum basis in the Nass Valley. Brenna is a Nisga’a citizen (Gingolx) and brings a deep understanding of our culture to her work. Based in Vancouver, Brenna sees our people both remotely (Zoom, phone) and in-person in the valley.
To make an appointment, call Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611.
For more information, see www.counsellinggroup.org/brenna-doolan.
Occupational Therapy for Children
Registered Occupational Therapist Carmen May visits the Nass Valley regularly to work with families and teams to help children learn functional skills. Occupational Therapists help children manage daily activities ranging from emotional regulations to toileting. They work with autism, ADHS, trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and more, using a holistic lens.
To make an appointment, call Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611.
For more information about occupational therapy services, click HERE.
Art Therapy
Morgan Reinsbakken, BSc, DVATI, is available 12 days per month in the Nass valley. She is a highly experienced therapist who is trained in the use of art therapy as an effective means to working primarily with children experiencing attachment trauma and emotional regulation challenges.
To make an appointment, call Marlena Gosnell at the Gitwinksihlkw Health Center, 250-633-2611.
For more information see www.artbeattherapystudio.com.
Workshops, Support Groups, and Special Programs
Through a partnership with Stephanie Erickson, MA, RCC, and her team of masters-level Indigenous Clinical Counsellors at Strawberry Medicine Counselling, we offer a variety of programs throughout the year that support people feeling well in their life. Programs include Emotional Family Focussed Therapy, Becoming Ancestors, Circle of Security (parenting program), Full Moon Release Ceremony, and spiritual healing. Watch the website and Facebook for announcements.
For more information, see www.strawberry.medicine.com.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our Home and Community Care department services below, contact us at 250-633-5025 or toll free at 1-888-233-2212 Ext: 5025.
Help at Home
- Bath and shower assistance
- Occasional light housework or meal preparation, when staffing allows
- Medication monitoring and prescription delivery when needed
Health Care Support
- Vital signs monitoring
- Jet therapy at clinic
- Foot care: A foot care Nurse Specialist visits every two months. Book appointments through Angela Azak at 250-633-5025 or 1-888-233-2212 ext. 5025.
- Organizing of, transportation to, and attendance at medical appointments
- Assistance in the transition to a care facility
Equipment
- Equipment loan: Hospital beds, shower stairs, commodes, toilet seats risers, lifts, in-house walkers, transfer poles, overbed tables, tub rails, and more
- Help accessing other equipment such as wheelchairs or outdoor walkers
Respite
- Respite care in the home or clinic, when staffing allows
- Coordination of overnight respite services
- Coordination of longer respite opportunities with a long-term care facility when available (this service can provide a gradual introduction to long-term care)
Babies First Fill
This program helps new parents with the cost of prescription drugs while waiting for their child to be registered.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Medical Transportation
This program provides medical transportation to the nearest health service provider for services not available in your home community. Meals and accommodation, as well as escort and/or interpreter services are also covered when needed.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
If you are outside the Nass Valley, call 1-877-773-5030.
Vision
This program covers some or all of the cost of eyeglasses (when prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist), eye exams, and other vision benefits depending on your medical needs.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Medical Supplies and Equipment
This program covers costs of medical supplies and equipment. You will need a prescription from your doctor to access these.
What is covered?
- Vitamins (when prescribed)
- Hearing aids
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Medical supplies such as ostomy supplies, bandages, and pressure garments
- Orthotics
- Prosthetics
- Oxygen therapy and respiratory therapy supplies
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Prescription Drugs
This program covers the cost of medication authorized through a medical prescription from a doctor.
To access this benefit, present your Canada Life card to your pharmacist. If you have questions about drug coverage, call 1-800-957-9777. Have your Canada Life benefits number ready when you call.
Dental Work
To access dental coverage, present your Canada Life card to your dental service provider. If you have questions about what’s covered, call 1-800-957-9777 ahead of your appointment. Eligibility for dental work varies and a Canada Life representative can tell you what coverage you can expect. Have your Canada Life benefits number ready when you call.