b'COVID-19Navigating a PandemicBY TREVOR GREYEYESNIHB task force mobilizes to assist First Nations during COVID-19E arlier this year, thetwo weeks early on in the pandemic.with NIHB offices in Sioux Lookout, COVID-19 pandemic causedThe task force initially included repre- Thunder Bay and Ottawa to clarify economic shutdowns acrosssentatives from the Thunder Bay Publicofficial medical transportation guide-the country, forcing theHealth Unit, Thunder Bay Healthlines. The NIHB program also provides closure of businesses across a broad rangeScience Center and the Nishnawbe Aski14-day coverage for patients and clients of sectors. But the COVID-19-inducedNation (NAN), among others. Morewho have been advised to self-isolate lockdowns affected more than justrecently, the Northwest Health Unitwhile out of their community. restaurants and retail locations. and Sioux Lookout First Nations HealthEven a seasoned NIHB Navigator like In March and April, a lot of theAuthority Discharge Department haveKing has never witnessed a pandemic hospitals were closing down non-essen- participated, as well. sweep the world this way. This crisis not tial care, says Emily King, NorthernThe NIHB program provides Firstonly endangered the lives of individual Ontario Navigator with the Non-InsuredNations and Inuit peoples with coverageFirst Nations peoples but the commun-Health Benefits (NIHB) program. Thatsof a specified range of medically necessary,ities themselves. Not only were the when the NIHB Navigators formedhealth-related goods and services that areairlines reducing services but places a Medical Transportation Task Forcenot covered by provincial or private healthwhere we put our clients, like hotels, to aid First Nations peoples travellinginsurance plans and social programs.were shutting down as well, says King.from Thunder Bay and NorthwesternNIHB Navigators assist First NationsKing says that restaurants and other communities when the pandemic shut- people in accessing those health-relatedbusinesses that come in handy when down cut off vital services. goods and services, including any neces- travelling were also shutting down or Not only did the task force help themsary medically-mandated trips wherereducing services at the time. When figure out how to continue to deliverthe individual leaves their communityFirst Nations people travel for medical vital services, but it also allowed them totemporarily for medical appointmentsappointments, explains King, they come together, share best practices andor treatments. Under new COVID-19have to stay somewhere and find a way bring in speakers. The group met everyrestrictions, the task force has workedfor meals.28l I ssue1 2020C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'