Blood Tribe Health Department Adopts ‘Wellness-Focused Model’ for Lethbridge Shelter – Lethbridge | globalnews.ca

The Blood Tribe Health Department (BTDH) is now operating the Lethbridge Shelter and Stabilization Center, after taking over control from Alpha House on January 2.

“Our priority is just getting streamlined into operations and building relationships with our guests,” said BTDH CEO Derrick Fox.

Department officials say they want to reach more members of their community, with an estimated 70 percent of individuals using the shelter being Indigenous.

BTDH and the province have both said the change will provide “culturally appropriate support” and operations will follow what officials call a “welfare-centred model”.

“It’s very healing for the members … connected to culture and identity. It’s potentially through ceremony,” Fox said. “As far as we are also through service awareness.”

BTDH hopes that its new role can act as a bridge to address underlying issues.

Shelter Welfare Monitors will work with clients, understanding their needs and introducing them to other supports.

“It really aligns with the continuum of care,” said BTDH COO Kash Shedd. “Shelter populations, we really see that as a void for a lot of clients who want to be involved in mental health and addiction recovery programs.”

The shelter is part of the department’s growing footprint in Lethbridge.

The organization is a member of an intergovernmental health table that includes city and provincial authorities.

1:57
New intergovernmental table to tackle social issues, health in southern Alberta

There are no plans for more right now, but the department wants to continue expanding its reach.

“It helps us to have support members on the ground when we have high healthcare needs,” Fox said.

&copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.