Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority

09/23/2025

The NTHSSA is pleased to spotlight Gary Yendo, a Community Health Worker in Wrigley.

Gary was born in the Northwest Territories and has enjoyed his role as a Community Health Worker for the last 15 years, relishing the opportunity to help people and Elders, as well as give back to his community.

Learn more about Gary and his role as a Community Health Worker with the NTHSSA here:

https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/community-health-worker-spotlight-gary-yendo

09/21/2025

The NTHSSA wishes to advise residents of extended mental health services available in Inuvik. On Sunday, September 21st between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., counsellors will be available in-person at 66 Franklin or phone (867) 678-8092. As well, for the remainder of the week, hours will be extended to 7:30 p.m. Also a reminder that to access a list of e-mental health options or get information about access to services in your region, please visit www.nthssa.ca/mentalhealth.

09/21/2025

09/18/2025

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is excited to share that new technology has been implemented that will improve collaboration with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and outcomes for patients.

After successful piloting, effective immediately, diagnostic images, such as CT scans, Ultrasounds, and X-rays, can now be shared instantly from the NTHSSA to AHS physicians through a secure QR code system.

This improvement initiative is a step in the right direction for the health and social services system and will have positive impacts on patient care, particularly as it will allow health care providers to make better informed decisions about the need and timing of patient transfers from one facility to another.

Learn more here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/northwest-territories-health-and-social-services-authority-nthssa-diagnostic-imaging

09/15/2025

Meet the latest support workers who have successfully completed Heartsaver® CPR AED - Level C training led by NTHSSA Clinical Education. To date, clinical staff have trained 24 Day Shelter and Sobering Centre support workers in this course in an effort to enhance service delivery.

Training sessions included how to recognize individuals in need of CPR, activating emergency response systems (911), responding to drownings, administering naloxone, and choking intervention.

On-site simulations at the shelters will start in the fall, allowing staff to use their training and help prepare them to respond to real-time emergencies within a shelter environment. Thank you to Clinical Education for administering this training and to the dedicated staff who completed it to enhance their professional skillset.

Pictured from left to right: Lisa Balmer, CNE, Joyce Nyamazana, Annie Del Agua, Edson Shava and Robyne Walsh.

09/12/2025

The NTHSSA is proud to recognize and celebrate Dr. Gail Robson, who was recently named a recipient of a Family Physicians of the Year Award by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine.

Dr. Robson, who is based in Inuvik, has won one of this year’s Reg L. Perkin Awards, an honour that recognizes outstanding family doctors who provide exceptional care to patients and contribute to the health and wellbeing of their communities.

It has been an award-winning year for Dr. Robson and other staff in the Beaufort Delta who are making a difference in the region. Earlier this year, Dr. Robson was recognized with an Award for Leadership Excellence in Health Care by the Northwest Territories Medical Association, an award that celebrates individuals who demonstrate vision, dedication, and commitment to improving health services. Dr. Robson was specifically honoured for her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on health services in the Northwest Territories.

The NTHSSA would like to express its deepest gratitude and most sincere congratulations to Dr. Robson for these incredible accomplishments. These awards showcase your outstanding commitment to high-quality, safe, and compassionate care, as well as your ability to display leadership and teamwork even during challenging times.

Dr. Robson will be formally presented with her Reg L. Perkin Awards during the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Family Medicine Forum in Winnipeg in November 2025.

09/11/2025

As Fort Providence begins its reopening plan following the recent wildfire threat and evacuation, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) wishes to advise the public that the re-opening plan for the Community Health and Social Services Centre in the community has been initiated.

Read the full Public Notice Here - www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/hamlet-fort-providence-health-and-social-services-centre-re-opening-plan

09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, a day to find ways to acknowledge and talk about the complex reasons people turn towards su***de.

Did you know that NTHSSA clients are often screened for su***de when they visit a health cabin, a health centre, or a hospital? Su***de risk screening and assessment is part of our health assessment and intake process when clients receive services from a health care provider. We do this because we care about our clients, and because screening allows us to identify and better support people who are having thoughts of su***de.

If you have questions about su***de prevention or would like to access resources, the NTHSSA has a webpage designed to provide easier access to information. Click the link below to access a range of resources, including advice about how to talk about su***de, training opportunities, available supports, and contact information.

https://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/mental-health-resources-and-supports/su***de-prevention

09/08/2025

September is a month of awareness and action.

This month, we recognize:
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
• Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Each ribbon represents families impacted and the ongoing need for research, support, and early detection. Let’s stand together, raise awareness, and support those affected by cancer.

09/05/2025

There are also other virtual/e-mental health supports available to those who need it. For information on how to access those, please visit www.nthssa.ca/mentalhealth.

For the latest information on GNWT response to emergencies, including public safety information, please visit the GNWT’s public safety page: www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety

To access NTHSSA related information during emergencies, please visit https://www.nthssa.ca/en/emergencies.

09/03/2025

The NTHSSA hosted their AGM last week. Leadership provided a presentation on the annual report and program staff were also on-site to answer questions and demonstrate work at booths. Thank you to everyone who attended!
💙🙌

https://www.nthssa.ca/en/nthssa-2024-2025-annual-report

08/29/2025

Wildfires, evacuation, and crises can have many different impacts on you and your family. If you have questions about managing stress, mood, sleep, need help coping or feel you/your family members are struggling, support is available. Some of the supports available to residents in the NWT include:

• The Community Counselling Program is available in communities across the NWT. Visit Contact your Community Counsellor | Health and Social Services for your local contact.

• The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a robust service available through the GNWT and other employers to employees and their families.

• 811 helpline will connect you to a registered nurse and can provide supports if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and/or substance use. This service is available 24 hours a day,7 days a week and is 100% free and confidential.

• 988 helpline is also available as an option if you have questions or concerns related to su***de. This service is available 24 hours a day,7 days a week and is 100% free and confidential.

• Hope for Wellness helpline can also be used by calling 1-855-242-3310 and is a crisis support resource for all indigenous people across Canada. This service is available 24 hours a day,7 days a week and is 100% free and confidential.

It is important during crises to seek information about coping strategies, checking in with one’s reaction to stress, and reaching out for help if you or someone you know is struggling. For more information on NTHSSA Emergency information and access to virtual mental health supports available for NWT residents please see: www.nthssa.ca/en/emergencies