April 28, 2006, SASKATOON – Saskatoon Health Region, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Saskatoon Open Door Society, Inc are presenting a workshop today called Bridging the Cultural Divide in Health Care Settings.
The workshop, which has attracted approximately 90 participants from across Saskatchewan as well as participants from Newfoundland, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta, is targeted at identifying and engaging stakeholders with an interest and expertise in health issues of particular concern to newcomers to Canada. Promoting awareness of the health concerns of refugee and immigrant populations and ensuring that the care providers are sensitive to these needs is also an objective of this workshop, along with the promotion of partnerships and support to provide culturally sensitive and timely heath services.
"We are pleased to be forging new partnerships with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Saskatoon Open Door Society Inc.," says Suzanne Mahaffey, General Manager, Public Health Services, Saskatoon Health Region. "Each year 800 to 1000 refugees and immigrants settle in Saskatoon. Through these partnerships we are taking a proactive role in making health services more easily accessible to our refugee and immigrant populations by addressing cultural and language issues and challenges."
Speakers at today’s workshop include Dr. Brian Gushulak, Migration Health Consultants Inc., Vienna Austria; Dr. Salim Samanani, Health Canada; Dr. Carolyn Pim, Program Director, Refugee Health Program; Chris Friesen, Immigration Services Society of British Columbia; Getachew Woldeyesus of Regina Open Door Society, and Mary Flynn, of the Regina Community Clinic.
The workshop will close with a facilitated discussion to develop an action plan for improving refugee health.
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For more information contact:
Kerilyn Voigt
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
306.655.3386
Note to Editors: After regular business hours and on weekends, please call 655-1000 and ask for the Public Affairs Adviser on call.
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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