The Value of an Integrated Approach to Frontline Care

 

This is the second in a series of monthly blog posts representing perspectives on potential governance changes at PAN. These posts represent voices across the network – staff, Board members, people living with HIV, and community members – sharing their thoughts on these changes. This month we hear from Kira Haug. Kira is the Harm Reduction Coordinator and Educator at the ASK Wellness Society of Kamloops, and was elected to PAN’s Board of Directors at the Fall 2017 AGM.

 

 

Client centered care is one of our guiding principles here at ASK Wellness.  From our housing programs to health navigation, each program meets each participant where they are at. Every story is unique and as such, we believe that trust and accountability goes both ways and there must be agreement that any plan that is developed will represent the readiness, willingness and self identified wants and needs of the individual. We deliver client centered care across the spectrum of our programming following the streets, to homes, to health and education/employment.

Our agency embraces all of our community’s differences and needs, whether we are addressing HIV or HCV medical care and treatment, supports for concurrent disorders (mental health and problematic substance use), chronic health, or homelessness and people living with a disability, to name a few. We value and appreciate the partnerships we have forged with other agencies to address the necessary wrap around needs of an individual. This complements our belief that success is accompanied by meaningful outcomes; and in a timely fashion.

 

Health Navigation Client Centered/Integrated Model

Clients are less likely to fall through the cracks if an integrated approach is in place.

 

Thinking about PAN, which ASK has been a long-time member of, there is a similar approach to the services the network is providing. PAN’s approach to collective advocacy, research and capacity-building programs uses a social justice lens that sees health, housing, financial security, safety and other determinants as interrelated issues- and this supports organizations that also work from this approach. ASK has also witnessed many of our clients participate in PAN’s skills building opportunities and they always come back from them with a renewed sense of self, value and passion; a testament to the value that programs like the PLDI is providing to our communities. PAN’s programs allow people see themselves in another role, offering validation to peoples’ lived experience and a promise of a better tomorrow.

The proposed changes to PAN’s governance would speak volumes to the growing needs for the HCV community, continued consistency of support for those living with HIV and would reflect the vast differences regarding urban vs. rural and remote realities. Indigenous representation will have a positive impact on decisions made that may affect community members living in small towns, reserves and in other rural settings. Finally, broadening the membership will ensure we are hearing all the voices of people impacted by blood borne infections and will speak to inclusivity and that all lives matter.

As a member of the PAN board of directors, as well as the Governance Committee, I welcome hearing from the membership and I look forward to the ongoing discussions leading up to the Fall 2018 AGM!

 

Kira Haug,
BBI Health Navigation Services
Education and Harm Reduction Coordinator

 

To help support the discussion on potential governance changes at PAN, we have also created a gateway where people can ask questions and/or request to be contacted by a member of the PAN Governance Committee: [email protected]