Activites in Health and Social Services

The Coasters' Association is active in monitoring the delivery of health services on the LNS. The low population density of the area can result in inadequate funding for health in the area, and the isolation of individual communities requires some emergency presence in each one, but the vigilance of the Association has resulted in maintenance and improvement of health care on the Coast.

This vigilance means attending meetings of organisations such as the Centre de Santé de la Basse Côte Nord (CSBCN) and the Regional Advisory Board, and being an active voice in these organizations. Also keeping up to date on issues of the Minister of Health and informing the Minister of projects needing attention.

The Association also takes direct action to improve the state of the medicare system on the Coast. The Association conducted research into drugs and alcohol, resulting in a workshop to inform youth on the subject. Assistance is also provided to individuals with questions and complaints regarding the health system. The Association also holds information meetings for new doctors and nurses just arriving on the coast, to acquaint them with the particularities of Coast life and culture.

There is a clinic in most villages on the coast, a senior citizens home in Harrington Harbour, St. Augustine and a hospital in Lourdes du Blanc Sablon. To visit the Centre de Santé de la Basse Côte Nord on the internet, go to www3.sympatico.ca/csbcn.