The French-Language Health Movement A national movement dedicated to improving access to health and wellness services in French Présenté par Gilles Vienneau Paul d’Entremont Halifax, Nova Scotia Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Outline of presentation The French-language health movement: – Who are we? – Health services in French: Why? Summary of achievements Future issues Questions 2 of 12

The French-Language Health Movement  A national movement to improve health and wellness of Acadians and francophones living in a minority situation in Canada  17 French-language health networks covering all provinces and territories  Five strategic levers for better access to health and wellness services in French ◦ Networking ◦ Organization of services ◦ Training ◦ Research ◦ Technology 3 of 12

The French-Language Health Movement 4 of 12

Who are we? 5 of 12

Health in French: Why?  Based on studies… French-language health and wellness services in Canada are 3 to 7 times less accessible to francophones in a minority community.  The French-speaking population places great importance on the availability of health services in French. ◦ Availability of access increases use of services ◦ Perception: difficult to obtain services in French ◦ Key factor: availability of French-speaking professionals  Accessibility to health and wellness services in French is a matter of quality and safety. 6 of 12

The Networking initiative contributed to:  Establishing productive and sustainable relationships  Better needs assessment and effective planning of services required  Using new and new adapted solutions  Ultimately, more accessible and better quality health services Summary of achievements 7 of 12

 The Organization of services initiative contributed to: Better coordination of health services in French Creation of new points of service in primary care at various types of sites Better remote access to care and services through new tele-health technology Increased activities in health promotion and disease prevention Increased support for French-speaking professionals Better databases of resources Summary of achievements 8 of 12

Almost 100 health projects and initiatives since 2004 ($22M) Supported by provincial, territorial and regional health authorities throughout Canada Setting the Stage (STS) - Préparer le terrain (PLT) ( ): planning for health services in each province and territory to determine needs and the best way to meet them Summary of achievements 9 of 12

Major categories of achievements Information to the public and health care professionals – directories and guides, etc. Service planning and coordination Remote access through technology Mobilization of and support for health care professionals Assistance in navigating the healthcare system Programs and activities in health promotion and disease prevention Delivery of integrated services and specific programs (mental health, cardiology, oncology, chronic diseases, etc.) Creation of basic and specialized French-language service points Summary of achievements 10 of 12

Health promotion and prevention and interdisciplinary/intersectorial approach Primary health care and community mobilization for joint action Continuum of integrated services (e.g. mental health, chronic diseases, the elderly,…) Human resources and resources serving the community Health technology Future issues 11 of 12

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