An Indigenous-Led Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment Program to Address Opioid Use in Remote Northern Canada

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aut.relation.articlenumber100190
aut.relation.endpage100190
aut.relation.journalDialogues in Health
aut.relation.startpage100190
dc.contributor.authorZuk, Aleksandra M
dc.contributor.authorAhmed, Fatima
dc.contributor.authorCharania, Nadia
dc.contributor.authorSutherland, Celine
dc.contributor.authorKataquapit, Gisele
dc.contributor.authorMoriarity, Robert J
dc.contributor.authorSpence, Nicholas D
dc.contributor.authorTsuji, Leonard JS
dc.contributor.authorLiberda, Eric N
dc.date.accessioned2024-09-09T22:51:55Z
dc.date.available2024-09-09T22:51:55Z
dc.date.issued2024-09-01
dc.description.abstractBackground/purpose In response to the opioid use challenges exacerbated from the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Albany First Nation (FAFN), a remote Cree First Nation community situated in subarctic Ontario, Canada, implemented a buprenorphine-naloxone program. The newly initiated program was collaboratively developed by First Nations' nurses and community leaders, driven by the community's strengths, resilience, and forward-thinking approach. Using the First Nations Information Governance Centre strengths-based model, this article examines discussions with four community leaders to identify key strengths and challenges that emerged during the implementation of this program. Methods this qualitative study amplify the positive aspects and community strengths through the power of oral narratives. We conducted 20 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with community members who helped lead FAFN's COVID-19 pandemic response. Utilizing the Medicine Wheel framework, this work introduces a holistic model for the buprenorphine-naloxone program that addresses the cognitive, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of well-being. Results Recommendations to support this initiative included the need for culturally competent staff, customized education programs, and the expanding of the program. Additionally, there is a pressing need for increased funding to support these initiatives effectively and sustainably. The development of this program, despite challenges, underscores the vital role of community leadership and cultural sensitivity to address the opioid crisis in a positive and culturally safe manner. Conclusion The study highlights the successes of the buprenorphine-naloxone program, which was developed in response to the needs arising from the pandemic, specifically addressing community members suffering from opioid addiction. The timely funding for this program came as the urgent needs of community members became apparent due to pandemic lockdowns and isolation. Holistic care, including mental health services and fostering community relations, is important. By centering conversations on community strengths and advocating for culturally sensitive mental health strategies that nurture well-being, resilience, and empowerment, these findings can be adapted and expanded to support other Indigenous communities contending with opioid addiction.
dc.identifier.citationDialogues in Health, ISSN: 2772-6533 (Print); 2772-6533 (Online), Elsevier BV, 100190-100190. doi: 10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100190
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100190
dc.identifier.issn2772-6533
dc.identifier.issn2772-6533
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10292/17990
dc.languageen
dc.publisherElsevier BV
dc.relation.urihttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772653324000261
dc.rights@ 2024 Published by Elsevier Inc. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by nc/4.0/).
dc.rights.accessrightsOpenAccess
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
dc.titleAn Indigenous-Led Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment Program to Address Opioid Use in Remote Northern Canada
dc.typeJournal Article
pubs.elements-id567941
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