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.

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.

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)

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.