NAN's Health Policy and Planning Department is committed to improving the mental, spiritual, emotional, physical and environmental well-being of its membership in consultation with First Nations to build healthier communities; as well as, to ensure respect and dignity is upheld through the provision of culturally sensitive health service delivery and personnel.
NAN is hosting the "the Quit Coach™ Program" as part of our smoking cessation education program that has trained 10 "Assistant Quit Coaches" to deliver this innovative program to their respective communities, through one-to-one confidential sessions using applicable modes of communications, such as video conferencing and telephone calls. This health education and skills building initiative will focus on enhancing the current strengths of NAN communities while promoting traditional/cultural values in strengthening health and well-being in communities.
Almost half of all First Nations are daily smokers (46.0%) with an additional 12.8% self-identifying as occasional smokers (RHS, 2002/2003). The First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) 2002/03 National Report provides a snapshot of the health and living conditions within Ontario First Nations communities. According to the RHS findings:
- First Nations youth, aged 18-29 years, have the highest proportion of daily smokers (53.9%)
- There are significantly fewer daily smokers in the older age categories (23.5 % for age 60+) compared to the younger age group
- There is a higher prevalence of smoking among First Nations female youth, across all age groups
- 36.6% of First Nations children were exposed to some maternal smoking use.
The Quit Coach™ Program has been made possible through funding obtained by Health Canada. We are appreciative to have Dr. Jim Morris, the Quit Coach™, to share his expertise in the field of smoking cessation, and has trained 10 NAN community-based workers to become "Assistant Quit Coaches".
Meet the Team
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