The NWT Health and Social Services Leadership[ Council recently held both their quarterly meeting, and their Annual General Meeting in Inuvik.
The two day leadership council meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the work that has been done in health and social services over the last year. It was also a chance to hear about updates to the work being done on some of the group’s main priorities for 2025.
Status reports were given for each region of the NWT, and Council members were able to raise their concerns for the challenges that the NTHSSA faces in their local areas, such as illegal drugs, and mental health and addictions challenges. Council members recognized the link between health and social services and addictions support and education. They acknowledged that solutions to these issues require better collaboration between agencies, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
The meetings also discussed and reviewed the work of the NWT Cultural Safety Design Collaborative. They recognized that racism experienced by Indigenous people in healthcare systems is a continuing issue for the safety of patients, and that healthcare organizations need to address these issues.
Council members noted that the work that has happened to position the NWT HSS system for change and improved care for indigenous peoples is positive; but that the efforts must be sustained and resourced to ensure long term improvements are achieved to the benefit of all NWT residents.
When looking ahead during the Annual General Meeting, it was announced that the Leadership Council will be working closely with system leadership on issues like cultural safety, system sustainability, and overall quality improvement.
