FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECRETARIAT OF MANITOBA (FNHSSM)
MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH
Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health Program Description
Overarching Vision: Strong, healthy, supportive families that live holistic and balanced lifestyles.
Program Goals
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Empower Families
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Promote the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of women, children and families
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Promote trusting & supportive relationships between parent and child, careprovider/family, and resource-to-resource
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Increase communities’ capacity to supportilies
Required Components
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Home visitation
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Referral and Access
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Linkages with other programs and services
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Health promotion activities
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Case management for families with complex needs.
Guiding Principles
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Grounded in First Nation culture
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Built on community strengths
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Voluntary participation
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Strength based approach
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Family focused relationship focused
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Strengthen community capacity

The MCH program philosophy: The period from conception to six years of age has the most influence of any time period on brain development, behavior and health. The effects of maternal health during pregnancy and of childhood experiences on brain development during the first six years last a lifetime. In addition, improving knowledge of preconception and reproductive health among young adults helps to promote a healthy start to pregnancy.
MANITOBA PROGRAM LOCATIONS
Community Programs
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Cross Lake Band of Indians
Dakota Tipi First Nation
Garden Hill First Nation
Hollow Water First Nation
Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation
Long Plain First Nation
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Northlands Denesuline First Nation/KTC
Norway House Cree Nation
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Peguis First Nation
Pine Creek First Nation
Rolling River First Nation
Roseau River First Nation
Sagkeeng First Nation
Waywayseecappo First Nation
SACRED BABIES – An Infant Guide to Survival