Health

Community Health Centres

Yarmouth Health Centre

10534 Hwy # 3
Yarmouth, NS B5A 5J7
Phone: (902) 742-4337
Fax: (902) 742-4824

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director

Gold River Health Centre

311 Beech Hill Road
Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0
Phone: (902) 627-1245
Fax: (902) 627-1361

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Karen Oakes
Receptionist

The Yarmouth and Gold River Health Centres offer various services to the members of Acadia First Nation and their families.

Vision Statement

The Acadia First Nation vision of health is to support every community and its members in achieving and maintaining optimal health and quality of life.

Mission Statement

Acadia First Nations Health mission is to provide health programs and services to: "Assist communities and its members to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health through health promotion, traditional teachings, education, disease prevention activities, partnerships and health services." 

Yarmouth

Dr. A.J Marais MB. ChB CCFP is practicing at the Yarmouth Health Centre daily. Dr. Marais is servicing AFN and community members who are need of a family doctor.

The VON is available at the Health Centre every other Thursday, 9:00am-11:00am providing:

Adult Mental Health Clinician available on intermittent Wednesdays 8am-5pm by appointment only.

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician available weekly 8am-5pm by appointment only.

Clinic Nursing

VON staff runs community clinics, to deliver nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes.

Foot Care Clinics

VON nurses and other health professionals provide foot care for all ages from infants to seniors. Nurses provide assessment, care and advice for clients, including the elderly and people with diabetes, who have particular problems looking after their feet. Care includes clipping nails, treating corns, calluses, ingrown nails and thickened nails and preventative care as well as referral to other health professionals.

Wellness and Health-Promotion Clinics

VON Wellness and Health Promotion clinics offer clients screening tests and assessment of cholesterol, blood pressure, body-mass index and other indicators of potential health problems. Individual counseling focuses on education and raising awareness on topics such as heart health, diabetes, asthma, allergies and osteoporosis.

Non-Insured Health Benefits provides reimbursement for medical travel to specialists outside of Yarmouth. If you require this assistance, please call the Health Centre for further information.

The tour for the cure mobile breast screening information bus makes its way to the Yarmouth Health Centre yearly. This year women received information on the importance of breast exams and were taught how to perform self- examinations.

If there are any health questions and/or concerns please feel free to call your Community Health Representative (CHR) at the Yarmouth Health Centre for assistance.

For further information on any of the ongoing programs listed for the Yarmouth Health Centre, please feel free to contact (902)742-4337.

Gold River

Adult Mental Health Clinician available on intermittent Tuesdays 8am-5pm by appointment only.

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician services beginning April 2019.

Community Nurse

Our community nurse delivers nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes and other health related services/programs to our communities.

Chelsea Sawyer BScN, RN
Community Nurse
Email:
Office: (902) 627-1245
Cell: (902) 277-2297
Bio

The VON is available at the Health Centre every other Thursday, 9:00am-11:00am providing:

Clinic Nursing

VON staff runs community clinics, to deliver nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes

Wellness and Health-Promotion Clinics

VON Wellness and Health Promotion clinics offer clients screening tests and assessment of cholesterol, blood pressure, body-mass index and other indicators of potential health problems. Individual counseling focuses on education and raising awareness on topics such as heart health, diabetes, asthma, allergies and osteoporosis.

Afterschool Program

Elementary school students attend the afterschool program on Wednesday and Thursdays 2:15 - 4:15 each week. The program achieves its goals through a focused developmental strategy of cultural, recreational, life skills and nutritional activities.

Parent and Tot Group

Once a month Kathy Boehner, from the Bridgewater Family Resource Centre provides fun activities for children birth to 5 years of ages. 

For further information on any of the ongoing programs listed for the Gold River Health Centre, please feel free to contact (902) 627-1245.

Wildcat

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician available twice monthly 8am-5pm by appointment only.

The VON is available at the Wildcat office the last Thursday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00am.
A blood collection clinic is available once every three months.

For further information please feel free to contact (902) 682-2421

General Programs

Pre/Post-Natal Information

Baby baskets are available for expectant mothers/fathers who are registered Acadia First Nation band members. These beautiful baskets are valued at approximately $150.00 each and are delivered promptly to new parents upon the arrival of a child. Please call one of the offices to ensure your name is on the list of expectant parents. You will also qualify for up to $200.00 towards the purchase of a car seat. This program is sponsored under the pre/post natal and maternal health program.

Children’s Oral Health Initiative

The Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is an early childhood tooth decay prevention program for children aged 0-7, their parents and caregivers and pregnant women. COHI services include annual screening, fluoride varnish applications, sealants and temporary fillings.
COHI supports and encourages families to make oral health and oral care a regular part of family life, and to make healthy choices in caring for their young children. Families receive excellent resources - including DVDs, visual aids, flip charts, parent kits, and of course toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Healthy Drinking Water Program

Water testing is taking place within AFN by certified water monitors delegated in the Gold River, Wildcat and Yarmouth areas. Certified monitors along with Environmental Health Officials with Health Canada are working closely with one another to ensure healthy and safe drinking water in our homes. Total coliform and bacteria levels are tested regularly in each of our communities.

Funding Eligibility

Acadia First Nation's community health program funds the following services:

  • Monthly foot care services for eligible seniors at local certified clinics
  • The baby car seat program for the newborns of registered band members
  • Workshops on nutrition and health issues

Also, the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) provides a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services that are not otherwise provided by other government programs or private plans. Eligible recipients do not need to register but can become eligible once they have received their registration date and number as a Status Indian. More information on the services and eligibility for coverage can be accessed at Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit, or by calling 1-800-565-3294.

Health Forms

If required, please print and complete the following forms. Once completed, please bring the form into the Yarmouth or Gold River Health Centre.

General Information