The new Ha7lh sḵwalwnawtxw (Healthy Hub) at Siyí7ch’em in the Squamish Valley opened its doors with a ceremony yesterday, bringing the Community together in celebration of its first on-reserve health care clinic.
The ceremony started with a blessing of the space, and was attended by Council Members, Elders, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw staff, and representatives from the First Nation Health Authority and Indigenous Services Canada. Less than hour after the ceremony, one of the doctors at the new clinic, Dr. Lee Glazier, (husband of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Knowledge Keeper Dr. Leigh Joseph) was already treating patients. Healthy Hub’s Resident Elder, 77-year-old Henry Williams, also attended the ceremony, and shared how his childhood home was located almost exactly at the clinic’s new site.
Healthy Hub fills a vital role in Siyí7ch’em, as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People will no longer have to travel to the District of Squamish or to the North Shore’s Care Clinic. This new modular clinic, (in place until a permanent clinic is built), offers a wide range of services, including nurse practitioner and physician support, nursing services, counselling for all ages, access to traditional medicines, medical and social work support, and Family Circles.
Healthy Hub hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with a lunchtime closure from 12pm to 1pm.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People should be aware that the Healthy Hub is not a walk-in clinic. Patients will need to register first before booking an appointment. To register at the Hub, contact them by phone at 604-898-6771 or email svclinic@squamish.net You will need to provide your name, phone number or contact information, and personal health number (PHN). Staff at the Healthy Hub can support anyone through the process who may not have a PHN available.
Current staffing at the Healthy Hub includes two doctors, one nurse practitioner, one primary care registered nurse (RN) team lead, two public health nurses, and one wellness coordinator. Health and Wellness staff from Ayás Mén̓men and Yúustway Health and Wellness are co-managing Healthy Hub and anticipate hiring more staff during the coming year, including more doctors, nurse practitioners, RNs, and Elders/Healers.
