Health Services and Programs

Health Centre: 250-842-5272

Health Staff and Programs

The Hagwilget Village Health Team includes: Ida Austin, Community Health Representative (CHR); James McAfee, Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Barb Joseph Clark, Health Receptionist; Tamara Murrell, Temporary Health Receptionist; Susan Graf, Community Health Nurse (CHN); Hannah Forsythe, Community Services Coordinator and Carol Eichstaedt, Community Health Coordinator.

Drug and Alcohol counseling contact James McAfee at 842-6216. AA meetings are held every Wednesday and Friday beginning at 7:30.

For community programs –potlucks, group meetings and seasonal activities, contact Hannah Forsythe at 842-5272. The women’s Group meets every Tuesday beginning at 7. The Girls Club meets on Friday from 1-3. Workshops on Diabetes, HiV/AIDS, Nutrition and Safety/Prevention are held throughout the year.

Watch announcements or contact Carol at 842-6258 for details.

For details on clinics, health travel or CareCard contact Ida at 842-5272

Health Services and Benefits


Building healthy futures...families...children


What programs are available?

Clinics for immunizations, pre-natal, post-natal, communicable disease control, chronic/handicapped care, elderly care, mental and physical health education, and pre-school health are held once a week by the CHN throughout the year for various age groups. The CHN assists with workshops on chronic diseases; visits elders and chronic care clients and works with other service providers.

The CHR provides assistance with patient travel; assists with appointments; visits elders and chronic care clients; tests water quality; provides health education; organizes workshops; works with other service providers and provides information about health benefits and programs.

Health care, clinics, information and advice

Health Benefits
The Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides registered Indians and Inuit living in BC who are not eligible for extended health coverage through provincial, territorial or other third party plan with a limited number of health related goods and services to meet medical and dental needs. The NIHB program includes: vision care, medical transportation, drugs, medical supplies & equipment, dental, short term mental health crisis intervention, and BC Medical Insurance premiums

Health Related goods and Services
NIHB will assist with replacement of glasses every two years for members over 18 and every year for members under 18 if required. Additional fees for service are not covered. Glasses over approved costs are not covered. Costs must be approved by NIHB.
Medical transportation is covered when medical treatment is not covered locally. Clients must have referral from doctor and receipts for travel must be provided to CHR. Escorts are covered only if client is under age, handicapped or needs assistance.
The NIHB program provides prescription drugs, some over the counter drugs, proposed medicines, and extemporaneous products. Drugs not on the Drug Benefit List may be approved on a case to case basis. Medical Supplies and Equipment are supplied for personal use if it is on the NIHB Medical and Equipment List. NIHB must approve.
For dental care a predetermination must be provided by dentist. A predetermined amount of $600 for one year is allowed for clients. Implants, bone replacement or cosmetic restoration are not covered. Dentures are covered every 8 years. Major dental treatment must have written justification by dentist. Short Term Mental Health Crisis Intervention is provided for a maximum of 20 hours of professional service. The service is provided when other services are not available. Service providers are responsible for applying for approval for their clients. Supplementary benefits such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry are covered for a combined annual limit of 10 visits. Eye exams will be covered once every two years for clients between the ages of 19-65. The amount paid by NIHB is $44.83. Additional costs are not covered. The BC Medical Services Plan Premiums are administered by the Ministry of Health. In order to receive health services clients must apply to the BC Medical Services Plan. The cost of the premium is paid directly by First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. Clients over 19 must apply with birth certificate. New parents must apply for CareCard for children to access health care.

Nutrition, Exercise and Awareness lead to good health

For more information regarding eligibility and requirements, contact the Health Centre at 250-842-5272 or come to the Centre on Highway 62 near the Royal Bank.