Community Health Check Leads to Increased Testing
Written by Paul Graif on 5 May 2020
On the 50th straight day of Kahnawake 911 live updates on Facebook, the Kahnawake Covid-19 Task Force. Kateri Memorial Hospital Center (KMHC) Executive Director Lisa Westaway says the community Health Check has been going very well. The team has completed 595 calls and so far 369 homes have agreed to participate. “It has led to a significant increase in testing (for Covid-19) of our community members,” Westaway said.
She said the Task Force is working on the plan for businesses reopening in the community. The Kahnawake Economic Revitalization Committee (KERC) will have an update for the Task Force on Monday, May 11.
Westaway said they are working on health standards and providing packages to businesses. She says it will be a phased in approach to minimize the risk as much as possible. All of the measures that have been put in place will have to continue such as hygiene, hand washing and social distancing once the businesses reopen.
KSCS Clinical Supervisor/Secondary Prevention Rebecca D’Amico provided an update on the Let’s Talk Kahnawake program. Originally launched in July, 2019, it was meant for people to drop in or call in if they just wanted to talk. It was meant for easier accessibility. But when the pandemic began KSCS pivoted and created simple phone access at 514-235-9607. You can dial in and be directly connected to a counselor if you need to talk. You are not required to give your name. It is available Monday to Thursday between 5PM and 8 PM. D’Amico said they have simplified the process. There is also a Facebook page at Let’s Talk Kahnawake with more information. “For a lot of people taking that first step is the most challenging,” she said.
