News
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Visual Storytelling and Sharing Circles Reveal Community-Led Path to Indigenous Heart Health
CJC Open’s first arts-based graphic report highlights the need to blend Indigenous and Western approaches for holistic strategies that overcome systemic barriers to well-being June 11, 2026 – A novel study among Indigenous communities in Canada utilizing sharing circles as the primary method of qualitative data collection shows that heart health is shaped by emotional,…
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Medical Appointments During Evacuation
Patient Information and Support Contacts Patient Responsibilities Liaison (Host Site/First Nation/Town) Responsibilities Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Responsibilities Ininew Patient Services (IPS) Responsibilities Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Medical Transportation Responsibilities Contact Information Indigenous Services Canada Phone: 1-877-779-7749 Email: evacuationsssna-nihbevacuations@sac-isc.gc.ca Ininew Patient Services (IPS) Phone: 1-613-544-3400 ext. 23074 Email: referralsIPS@kingstonhsc.ca Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Medical…
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WAHA Medical Transportation clients can now confirm travel arrangements via email
WAHA Medical Transportation clients can confirm their travel arrangements by emailing Travel.Confirmation@waha.ca To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, we kindly ask that all clients confirm their travel at least three days before their departure date; earlier confirmation is strongly encouraged. When confirming travel arrangements. please provide: Please note, Travel.Confirmation@waha.ca is for travel…
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Winter Road Travel Guidance
Practice good road safety while travelling along the James Bay Winter Road (north) and Wetum Road (south) this winter WAHA medical transportation provides clients with access to medically required health services that aren’t provided on the reserve or in their community of residence. This transportation includes year-round air and train service to our clients. Clients…
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Notice: Mental health services to be transferred to NIHB mental health program
Effective January 1, 2026, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is transferring mental health services provided by the Indian Residential School (IRS) program to the NIHB mental health program. This notice explains how new and existing clients will access counselling services during the transition from the IRS program to the non-insured health benefits (NIHB) mental health program…
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NIHB Medical Transportation Travel Guidelines
Charter and Commercial Flights Personal Information Patients must ensure their personal information is accurate when registering at their health center. Personal identification information such as name and date of birth must match exactly with the identification being used for medical travel. Transport Canada Regulations & Pre-Flight Requirements In 2020, Transport Canada implemented new pilot duty…
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New Leadership in Diagnostic Imaging Service at WAHA
Building on our strong foundation, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) and Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) are pleased to announce an expanded partnership to include a formal leadership role for the Diagnostic Imaging Service. This strategic growth enhances our shared commitment to delivering high-quality care and specialized services in the James and Hudson Bay region. …
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New Indigenous Harm Reduction Program launches
WAHA responds to toxic drug supply crisis, and opioid poisonings As Indigenous communities continue to face the devastating impacts of a toxic drug supply and the rising number of opioid poisonings, the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) is launching its new Indigenous Harm Reduction program. Harm reduction is a lifesaving and culturally grounded response to…
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Introducing HPV Self-Collection
Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. Screening tests like HPV self-collection can find HPV early, before it can cause cancer. What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human…
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URGENT NOTICE – Cell Service Disruption
As of this morning, we are experiencing widespread cell service and landline disruptions. This outage is impacting the ability to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to 911 and direct lines to local health centers. This outage was caused by a construction crew working in the rail yard, who ignored the locate markings…
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WAHA’s Medical Transportation – Program Survey
The Indigenous Services Canada Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program helps First Nations people access essential health services not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). These services include travel for medical appointments, prescriptions, dental, and vision care. The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Medical Transportation department wants to hear from you! Your feedback will…
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Lynne Innes awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
Lynne Innes, President and CEO of the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare across the western James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts. The medal was formally presented to Lynne by Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, acknowledging…