Courtesy AHS

By Regan Tate

New support line for Indigenous Peoples launches in Southern Alberta

May 1, 2023 | 2:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB–Indigenous Peoples in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) now have access to a support line to help them navigate the health system.

A toll-free Indigenous Support Line can be reached by calling 1-844-944-4744.

This support line 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 healthcare system.

The line is available weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. Clients can call at any point in their healthcare journey with questions or concerns – whether or not they are currently receiving care, about to start care, in care, or have been discharged from care.

“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 healthcare system,” says Casey Eagle Speaker, Co-Chair of the AHS Wisdom Council.

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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 & 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 Peoples in their wellness journey.

“The support line connects individuals with someone who listens with patience, spirituality, acceptance, caring and empathy,” says 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.”