Facing a shortage of workers
The shortage of health care workers is a national and international issue, but the shortage is particularly acute for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. Severe gaps in services exist in First Nations communities, and First Nations are under-represented in all health care fields, compared to the general population (AFN, 2008). With a supply and demand disparity, care takers serving First Nations on/off reserve in British Columbia experience increasing stress as they react to population health burdens and a health care system that struggles to meet health human resource (HHR) needs.
Download our Health Careers Guidebook
FNHC Health Careers Guide | pdf |
The AHHRI Strategy
The First Nations Health Council is committed to building health professions in First Nations communities, the FNHC strategy is complemented by the Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative which includes the following: developing and implementing short, intermediate and long term HHR strategies; HHR environmental scan (First Nations labour force data, post-secondary health programs, focus groups); recruitment of health professionals; strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders; and supporting community based programs and life-long learning.