Indigenous people in the south zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) now have access to a support line to help them navigate the health system.
The toll-free Indigenous support line, which can be reached by calling 1-844-944-4744, is staffed by Indigenous Health Link staff, who will answer callers’ questions, help them access culturally appropriate care and support and assist them with navigating the health care system.
“The Indigenous support line is creating a brave space where our people can speak their truth, a place where they can feel supported asking for guidance and help navigating a complex health care system,” said Casey Eagle Speaker, co-chair of the AHS Wisdom Council.
The line is available weekdays from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
People can call at any point in their health care journey with questions or concerns — whether or not they are receiving care, about to start care, in care, or have been discharged from care.
The new service is modelled after an Indigenous support line launched last June in the AHS north zone.
Since then, staff have taken more than 2,000 calls.
In a follow-up survey with clients who used the line, every respondent said they felt respected and supported by the person who assisted them, and more than 97 per cent said they would use the line again and would recommend the line to friends and family.
The AHS Wisdom Council and Elder Circle played a key role in the creation of the Indigenous support line in the north zone, providing strong guidance and advice to AHS throughout the creation and launch of the project.
They continue to encourage AHS to expand the service across the province to better support Indigenous people in their wellness journey.
“The support line connects individuals with someone who listens with patience, spirituality, acceptance, caring and empathy,” said Wisdom Council co-chair Cheryl Sheldon. “Those phone conversations build a deeper understanding of the difficulties Indigenous clients face and it makes a difference, it matters to them, and they feel like they matter to AHS.”
