Additional resources
Additional external wellness resources available to First Nations or all Indigenous peoples.
The following resources are offered by external agencies. Providence Health Care does not administer them.
Health benefits
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) manages First Nations health benefits for First Nations people who live in British Columbia (B.C.).
The Health Benefits Program covers six benefit areas:
- Dental
- Medical Supplies and Equipment
- Medical Transportation
- Mental Health
- Pharmacy
- Vision
First Nations and Inuit people who do not normally live in B.C. but are receiving health services in the province can contact the Non-Insured Health Benefits program at 1-800-232-7301.
Virtual health services
The FNHA offers a variety of virtual health care services to First Nations people in B.C.
The FNHA works with health care professionals to ensure that services are aligned with the principles and practices of cultural safety and trauma-informed care. The FNHA also actively recruits health care professionals with Indigenous ancestry. Services include:
- Virtual Doctor of the Day
- Virtual Substance Use & Psychiatry Services
- Maternity and Babies Advice Line
- Mental Health Counselling
- Telehealth
Indigenous support lines
KUU-US Crisis Line
This is a culturally safe crisis line available 24/7 to Indigenous people in B.C.
KUU-US crisis response personnel are certified and trained in Indigenous cultural safety. They bring an understanding of First Nations history and trauma from residential schools.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers immediate support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Online chat: www.hopeforwellness.ca
MMIWG Support Line
MMIWG Support Line is an independent, national, toll-free call line. It provides support for anyone who needs help related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
Provides support for former residential school students through a 24-hour national crisis line.
Native Youth Crisis Hotline
Available throughout Canada 24 hours a day, seven days a week for youth.
Treatment centres for addictions
The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program funds 10 treatment centres in B.C. First Nations people living in B.C. can receive treatment for addiction at one of these centres. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) administers the service. They offer a variety of cultural and clinical interventions. They also offer support for people struggling with addiction.
Residential schools survivor resources
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides mental health and emotional supports to eligible former students of residential schools. Support is also offered to family members of former students. Cultural Support Workers or Residential School Health Support Workers provide the services.