Health Services

Learn about our Health Services, including non-insured health benefits, footcare, our Elders Program, pharmacy services, and more that we provide to the community of Garden River First Nation

About Non-Insured Health Benefits

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that might not otherwise be covered under other programs or health insurance, including vision care, dental care, mental health counselling, medical supplies and equipment, prescriptions and over the counter medication, as well as medical travel (when services are needed and not available in the community).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits through the Garden River Wellness Centre, the following criteria must be met:


  • Be a resident of Garden River First Nation
  • Be a registered First Nation person with the Garden River First Nation
  • A child less than 18 months old whose parent(s) is a registered First Nations person(s) (make sure to register your child as soon as possible to ensure their continued eligibility for NIHB coverage)


To learn more about the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, visit the Health Canada website.

To inquire about non-insured health benefits, contact Jennifer Solomon at jsolomon@grhc.ca  Ext. 202

When requesting travel for out of town appointments please have the following brought or sent to the NIHB office at the Garden River Wellness Centre via fax or email.

  1. I will need your current mailing address, phone number and E-mail address.

  2. Referral note from your physician in Sault Ste. Marie/Garden River stating:
  3. WHERE you are being referred to?
  4. WHO you are being referred to?
  5. DATE & TIME of your upcoming appointment?
  6. Verification of your appointment(s) from the out of town doctor/hospital/clinic.
  7. WHETHER or not you require an escort? (must be medically justified and written by physician/nurse)
  8. Will need the escorts name, DOB, address and phone number.
  9. IF you are requesting a flight then the physician MUST write that a flight is medically required (where flights are applicable).
  10. Banking information: all travel money will be direct deposit
  11. Direct deposit form from your bank

Footcare

Members of Garden River First Nation who are 55 years or older are eligible to be seen by a certified foot care nurse at the Garden River Wellness Centre every 8 weeks. Patients must present primarily with diabetes; However, other advanced chronic conditions will be taken into consideration, that affect their ability to provide their own foot care.

Get In Touch

Pharmacy Services

The Pharmacy Services provides a pharmacist on site every Thursday for Garden River Members. Pharmacists are medication experts that can do much more than just dispense medications. They are a key members of the healthcare team who work with other health professionals to help individualize your medications. They can help with disease prevention, nutrition, general health and wellness. 

The pharmacist will be available by appointment to provide the following: 


  • Explanation and review of drug interactions and how to manage them 
  • Advice or information on over-the-counter medications
  • Assistance with diabetes management (including insulin adjustment)
  • Glucometer training and demonstration of advanced features
  • Assistance with blood pressure monitoring and assessment
  • Advice on smoking cessation
  • Information and recommendations about vaccines
  • Suggestions for proper medication disposal
  • Home visits in collaboration with home care nurses
  • Addiction services including Suboxone induction consultations
  • Medication reviews to help explain medication reason for use, suggest the best timing for your medications, and screen for side effects

The pharmacist will also be providing education sessions and in-services for the community members. 

To reach the pharmacist contact Nicole Pelletier ext. 250 or ask your provider at the Garden River Wellness Centre. 

Weight Management

For the past 18 years, Dr. Caruso has been working with patients in the area of Weight Management, including: excess body fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. 

All adult Garden River First Nation Band Members who have health concerns in these areas are eligible to make an appointment. 

Dr. Caruso addresses these issues through:


  • A thorough history and interview
  • An individualized daily routine and eating plan.
  • Appropriate supportive medications and/or supplements.
  • Weekly check-ups and counselling sessions.


Diagnostic Lab Work

Bloodwork 

Urine & Specimen Collection

 Ordered tests

pre-ordered test generated by the N'mninoeyaa Community Health Access Centre Providers ONLY.

Schedule Your Lab Work

Community Health Nurse

The Community Health Nurse is an individual who works closely within the community to service the community members of Garden River First Nation. They work closely in conjunction with the Health Educator and various programs that are offered in the community.

They are here to educated and enlighten the community members to take better care of themselves with knowledge and conscious thought

Learn More

Home & Community Care

The Home and Community Care program provides support services intended to enrich the well-being of the clients while maintaining them within their home and community. 


For more information contact the Home & Community Care Coordinator Nurse, Tessa Belleau, Ext. 225.

Eligibility for Program


To apply for this program, you must be:


  • An Elderly person in need of support services.
  • An adult with a physical or mental disability
  • In need of support services at home for a short period of time while recovering from being hospitalized. 

You must also meet the following criteria:


  • A Garden River Band member.
  • No significant environmental risk of harm to the care providers.
  • Meet requirements of a financial means test through the Niigaaniin Program.

Benefits of the program:


  • Support the needs of clients so they can remain safely at home.
  • Reduce unnecessary hospitalization.
  • Reduce the length of hospital stays.
  • Improve quality of life and independence. 

Available services:


Personal Support Workers (PSW)
  • For clients who require assistance with personal hygiene due to physical limitation or cognitive impairment. 
  • PSW can provide assistance or supervision

Indigenous Transition Facilitator (ITF)
  • Help clients navigate the move from Hospital to home.
  • provide support and facilitates access to services while in the home.
  • assists in the discharge planning for the client
  • Navigating procedures and protocols for client within the health care system.


Emergency Safety
  • 24-hour Emergency Assistance available for clients through a small emergency transmitter pendant.
  • Police, Fire, or Ambulance available for your home by ATS professional if needed. 

Non-Medical and Medical Transportation
  • Transportation is available for Home & Community Care clients to access non-medical appointments i.e.- banking, shopping, etc. (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). 
  • Transportation also available for Home & Community Care clients for scheduled appointments at the Wellness Centre (Tuesdays & Thursdays). 
  • Please contact the Medical Transportation Coordinator, Robin Lesage ext. 221. Medical Transportation for more information. 

Over The Counter Medication

This program  may provide clients with over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications once a nursing assessment has been completed; based on need and availability.

This can include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Iburophen (Advil)
  • Allergy Medication
  • Lice Killing Shampoo
Learn More
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