We are excited to share FPWC’s commentary paper featured in the current special issue of Healthcare Papers, First Peoples Wellness Circle and the Indigenous Mental Wellness and Trauma-Informed Specialist Workforce During COVID-19.
This issue focuses on engagement-capable environments, and highlights the ways in which the health care system, providers, and workforce successfully adapted and strengthened their engagement with clients, partners, families, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FPWC’s contribution discusses how our organization centred the needs and priorities of the Indigenous mental wellness workforce during the pandemic. We embraced new approaches for meaningful virtual engagement to sustain and enhance workforce wellness and capacity by facilitating culturally relevant and culturally led connections from coast to coast to coast.
We share how relationships grounded in reciprocity are the foundation of meaningful engagement. As both community members and care practitioners, we argue that meaningful engagement with the Indigenous mental wellness workforce advances community-defined health priorities, improves quality and conditions of care, supports worker wellness and promotes equity within systems of care.
We invite and encourage you to read our commentary and the full issue to learn more about the role of culture, relationships, and engagement for responsive and effective healthcare for all.
