Indigenous health-care unit opens at Maniwaki Hospital

A new unit offering health and social services for residents oftwo Algonquin communities in western Quebec is now up and running at the Maniwaki Hospital.

Le Service intgr aux Premires Nationsoffers services tailored to residents of Kitigan Zibi andLac-Barrireunder one roof.

Its staff includes an interpreter who speaks English, French and Algonquin, and a liaison officer to help people navigate the various services, which used to be scattered throughoutthe area.

The new unit came aboutin response to specific needs expressed by residents of those communities, according toMichelyne Gagn, the local health agency's director of youth protection.

Gagn said some Indigenous people have been reticent to turn to the public health system in the past.

"I can'thide the fact there may still be racism and prejudice toward First Nations people," she said in French."We want to contribute to diminishing this."

"We're improving the bond of trust," said Daniel Latour, the centre's director.

If it's successful, Latour said the model may be replicated in other communities.