Emergency (Page 13)

Imagine moving to a new country during a global pandemic. Already feeling the isolating effects of unfamiliar surroundings, you’re now faced with the challenge of making a new life for yourself and your family during a widespread lockdown. 

From labour to breastfeeding and more, being a new mother can be overwhelming so having available community supports when needed is invaluable - even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when resources and supports can be in high demand. In Quebec, one community-based healthcare organization - Groupe d'entraide Allaitement Sein-Pathique – is helping more than just new mothers – any parent who would like guidance or advice from an experienced mentor can reach out to the program.

It was 11 a.m. when science class started on Monday, August 17. A group of about 15 students was doing what students usually do before class starts: happily chatting about what they did on the weekend. There was nothing out of the usual until you looked closer and noticed the students ranged from a very young age to their senior years, and everyone was taking part in the class from their own home through a videoconferencing app. “It’s good that there are adults, teenagers, and children,” said Gail Berman, a 64-year-old student. This heterogeneous group is connected by a condition that is common to all of them: everyone has autism spectrum disorder.
 

The Alexandra Community Health Centre, also known as The Alex, is a Calgary-based non-profit that aims to deliver innovative and accessible health and social solutions to vulnerable residents.
When COVID-19 was declared, The Alex, like many other organizations, searched for ways to continue providing services in a safe manner.

Hear from Louisette Trahan, a support aide part of the Red Cross humanitarian force deployed to long-term care homes, and what it's like to help out during the pandemic.

In an average month, personal disaster assistance teams respond to about 6 requests for assistance. But this July, our Winnipeg volunteers supported a massive 21 personal disasters.
 

Transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities in Saskatchewan’s most northern region has been limited thanks, in part, to a federal government funding program administered by the Canadian Red Cross. The Athabasca Health Authority has used funds distributed by the Red Cross to purchase personal protective equipment to help keep their staff and clients, healthy.

Chapados is doing a virtual walkthrough of the COVID-19 isolation centre she’s worked to set up for members of the five Nations that make up the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council. On the other end of the line is the Canadian Red Cross. A two-person team made up of experts in emergency response and health. This is the Help Desk for Indigenous Leadership in action.