Sask Health Authority, MLTC sign agreement that aims to improve health outcomes in North
- EFN Staff | September 26, 2019
In order to achieve better health outcomes for people in Northwest Saskatchewan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed earlier this week.
A new partnership by signing a MOU between the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) on September 23, 2019.
“MLTC is a willing partner in advancing the health care of our First Nation community members through this MOU, based on a respectful working relationship, responsive collaboration in our health systems, the results will be improvements in health status for our partnership community,” said MLTC Tribal Chief Richard Ben in a media release.
At the ceremony at the MLTC Chief’s Chambers, Chief Ben signed on behalf of the nine First Nations that make up the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.
There were senior representatives from SHA and MLTC present who signed the formal agreement establishing a framework in which the two sides will work collaboratively to maximize efforts to improve the health of First Nation’s people through diverse and targeted initiatives. This includes health promotion, tracking the determinants of health, and supporting efforts to access funds for new programs, services, and research.
“We are committed to working with our partners to improve health outcomes for First Nations and Métis people,” CEO Scott Livingstone stated. “Our organization understands that by working together through a path of mutual respect, we can move forward on our commitment to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation report.”
The memorandum will provide a platform to address identified gaps in services, improve the health of First Nations citizens accessing health services and reducing systemic barriers impacting First Nations specific health.