April 2021: Musqueam Health
The latest department updates from Musqueam Health, originally published in Friday, April 23’s newsletter.
Click here to read a PDF of the update.
This update includes information about:
- online provincial registration for newborns
- registering newborns for health benefits
- First Nations Health Benefits Program
- Musqueam Health services for members
Registering a newborn online
Electronic/online birth registration is the fastest and simplest way to register your child’s birth, and apply for a birth certificate, MSP, Canada child benefits and a SIN at the same time. Registration is free, but you’ll need a credit card to order a birth certificate at the same time.
Use the Vital Statistics Agency’s secure online service to register your child’s birth online. It takes 3-4 weeks to register a birth and issue birth certificates. Incomplete or late documents can cause delays. For more information, visit the provincial government’s birth registration page.
Required information for registering
You need the following information to register your child’s birth online:
- date of your child’s birth
- names you have chosen for your child
- name of the hospital or other place in B.C. where the birth took place
- parents’ surnames as they appear on their current birth certificates or change of name certificates
- parents’ dates and places of birth, and current ages
- parents’ Personal Health Numbers (BC CareCard)
FNHA Health Benefits
Registering a newborn with FNHA
First Nations infants up to 18 months are eligible for health benefits through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), as long as at least one parent meets the Health Benefits Program eligibility criteria.
To register an infant under an eligible parent, clients should submit the following documents to FNHA Health Benefits by mail or fax:
- copy of the infant’s birth certificate
- MSP Change Request Form
After 18 months, the infant will no longer be covered under the eligible parent and will need to be registered with the Health Benefits Program under their own status number.
To register an infant for the Health Benefits Program under their own account clients must:
- Register the infant for Indian Status at a local band office or Indigenous Services Canada (ISC); and
- Once “Temporary Confirmation of Registration” is received, call Health Benefits at 1.855.550.5454 with the child’s new status number to complete the registration process.
First Nations’ Basic Medical Coverage
The First Nations Health Authority enrolls and administers MSP to all Status Indians who are residents of B.C. (excluding persons who receive health benefits by way of a First Nations organization pursuant to self- government agreements with Canada).
FNHA Health Benefits and MSP
The FNHA’s Health Benefits Program manages MSP for First Nations people in BC. If you have status and need to register for MSP, do so through Health Benefits.
MSP registration forms are available online or by calling Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.
First Nations Health Benefits and Pacific Blue Cross
FNHA Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to deliver Dental, Vision Care, Medical Supplies and Equipment and some Pharmacy items benefits. You can find out what items and services are covered on your PBC Member Profile on the Blue Cross website.
Need help? Musqueam Health Department can assist:
For assistance with registering your newborn, call Candice Sparkes: 604-269-3312
For questions or concerns about your Health Benefits or assistance with the PBC website or app, contact Ashlee Point: 604-269-3395
Musqueam Pre- and Post-Natal Group
Are you pregnant or have you recently had a baby?
The Musqueam Health Department offers some valuable incentives to pre-natal and post-natal families.
- From the onset of pregnancy, until 3 months postpartum we offer weekly $25.00 Save-on Foods Gift cards for nutritious foods, such as milk, eggs, cheese, fruits & vegetables, to support healthy nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Nursing pads, as needed
- A one-time gift of an Electric Breast pump. One per family
- Welcome gift for your new baby
Due to public health guidelines, the natal program is currently not meeting in person. The Community Health Nurse is available to assist with maternal child health supports (electronically, virtually and/or home visit if needed).
To register for the natal program, contact:
- Crystal Point, RN, Community Health Nurse
Ph: 604-362-9200 | Email: [email protected] - Arlene Haldane, Nurse Assistant
Ph: 604-655-0580 | Email: [email protected]
Home & Community Care Program
The Home Care Program is available to our community members to assist with hospital discharges, home care aides, as well as all medical supplies and equipment. Home care services and medical equipment require a note from your doctor with your needs specified.
- Home Care Nurse: Romeo Cosio, RN
- Home Care Office: 604-263-6539
- Leave a message if no answer. Romeo might be on a house call 🙂
- Romeo’s Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday Thursday & Friday from 8:30-5:30 Tuesdays – Off
- Phone: 604-269-3463 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Home Care Clients: If you will not be home during your scheduled hours – please contact the Arlene Haldane, Nurse Assistant, 604 269 3354 or 604 655 0580.
*For emergencies, call 911 right away! *
Musqueam Wellness Program
This confidential service is available Monday-Friday, 830- 4pm to Musqueam members, phone or virtually. Call or email to and set up a time to talk to Janice Cross.
Call: 604-250-2913 Email: [email protected]
Art Therapy for Children, Youth & Adults
Janice Carroll is available Monday to Thursday from 8:30-4:30pm for phone calls, emails or text conversations, and Zoom.
Call: 778-829-0242 Email: [email protected]
Musqueam Alcohol & Drug Program
Hannah Green, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Supports Musqueam band members with their substance use and help them get connected to the supports they need. She can also lend a judgement-free ear to listen and support you where she can in your personal journey with substances. She would love to connect with you.
Call: 236 818 7686 Email: [email protected]
Brad Morin, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Provides one to one, family, and group counselling whenever necessary and refer clients to other appropriate professionals. Follows up with clients returning from treatment and continue to offer them support as they maintain their sobriety. I conduct outreach to community and band members. Lastly, makes referrals to detox, recovery houses, and treatment centres.
Brad’s office hours: Mon-Fri: 5:00pm-9:00pm & Sat- Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Call: 604 652 1368 Email: [email protected]
Safe Drinking Water Monitoring Program
Charlene Campbell-Wood
5 Reasons Why Everyone Deserves Clean Drinking Water
According to Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, “Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centers. These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them.”
Sadly, clean water is still inaccessible for many and will remain that way until governments are willing to take a stand. Here are five reasons why everyone needs access to clean drinking water and safely managed sanitation, right at home.
1. Provides Nourishment
Water is life. The sooner those in power understand this, the sooner this law of water being available to everyone can be implemented. Water is the number one source of nutrition. The human body is made of 60% water, and this is a clear enough indication of the importance of water. Humans need to be adequately hydrated for their physiological systems to function. Additionally, water helps maintain organ health and allows the blood to maintain the consistency it requires to flow freely and transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell of the body.
2. The Prevention of Diseases
Did you know that if people are unable to drink safe and clean water, it gives rise to various kinds of diseases? Fatal medical conditions like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A all occur because of the consumption and or the presence of contaminated water. Imagine the risks that people are exposed to when the only thing they can drink is water that comes from sewage and contaminated sites like industries. Clean water is essential not only to remain safe from disease but also to maintain good health.
3. Helps in Getting Rid of Toxins
Clean, fresh and safe water also helps in getting the body rid of all kinds of toxins, whether they are created due to bodily reactions, obtained from outside sources or ones that occur because of the consumption of contaminated water.
4. Needed for Agriculture and Food Production
When it comes to the production of food, clean water is an essential ingredient. If the crops and grains are given contaminated water, the bacteria and disease will spread to those who consume the fresh produce. Therefore, water that is used for agriculture must also come from safe and clean resources.
5. Improved Sanitation Facilities
Clean water is not just needed for drinking but for sanitation purposes as well. If clothes are washed, or the body is washed with contaminated water, this too will result in the rise of diseases. Same is the case for cooking, cleaning and other similar tasks that are an integral part of our lives. Clean water is necessary for good health