Pic Mobert gets new health care facility

NEWS RELEASE

PIC MOBERT FIRST NATION

**************************** Pic Mobert First Nation prepares for grand opening of a new community health center

The Pic Mobert First Nation would like to announce the completion of its new 467-square meter health facility in Mobert, Ontario.

Through funding made available by Health Canada’s First Nation and Inuit Health Branch, the Pic Mobert First Nation was able to complete construction of a new health facility that offers programs and services targeted at the health, social and spiritual well-being of its community members.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for the community to have a fully functioning health center that was built by members of our community,” states Johanna Desmoulin, chief of the Pic Mobert First Nation. “Not only has the construction brought pride, employment and skills development to band members, the new facility also has the potential to attract more health professionals to a community where access to health and social services is greatly needed.”

The building currently supports nine staff members, a foot care clinic, nurses’ office, an exam room and office space for the visiting professional MD, and has the space to expand staff as the needs of the community change.

"The goal of our health and social programming is to partner with our clients and empower them to greater knowledge and better health choices so they can live to their full potential," says Rose Andrews, the acting health director.

“It’s been a long run, but we can now see the reality and results of being able to provide programs and services to our clients through a fully functional building”, adds Andrews.

Andrews is a recent addition to the health center project team which has been guiding the project from the building’s initial design in 2008.

The project team includes representatives from Health Canada, Pic Mobert First Nation, professionals and building contractors from Ontario.

In celebration of its completion, Pic Mobert will be holding a health center grand opening ceremony Thursday, July 29 to showcase the building and to recognize the contributions of the many parties that supported the successful completion of its construction.

Attendees at the ceremony are expected to include representatives from the First Nation and project team, Health Canada, Members of Parliament, neighbouring communities, and members of the public.

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