How Historical Trauma and Health Inequities Shape Respiratory Outcomes in Indigenous Communities
Season 7 – Episode 2
with Amy Lamb & Mike Boivin
Listen to the eXpand Podcast and join experts clinicians as we dive into chronic lung diseases and eXpand your practice.
Respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV do not occur in isolation. In this episode of the RESPIPLUS podcast series, pharmacists Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb explore how chronic conditions, social determinants of health, and healthcare access barriers shape respiratory illness outcomes in Indigenous communities across Canada.
About this episode
This episode takes a deeper look at why respiratory infections can have different impacts across populations. The discussion focuses on the intersection of chronic disease, social determinants of health, and healthcare access.
Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb highlight how conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and cardiovascular disease can increase vulnerability to respiratory infections. They also explore how trust, relationship-building, and community leadership play a critical role in improving health outcomes.
Today you will learn
- How comorbidities such as COPD, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease increase respiratory infection risks
- The role of social determinants and historical factors in shaping health outcomes
- Why trust and relationship-building are central to effective healthcare delivery
- Challenges in medication access, inhaler use, and healthcare infrastructure in remote settings
- How community partnerships can support disease prevention and management
- Why culturally respectful and community-driven health approaches matter
Our special guest
Amy Lamb is a Métis pharmacist with a strong interest in community health and improving access to care in underserved populations. Her work focuses on understanding how healthcare systems can better respond to the needs of diverse communities.
In conversation with Mike Boivin, she discusses the complex interplay between respiratory infections, chronic disease, and social determinants of health. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration and trust as essential components of effective healthcare delivery.
Resources to go Deeper
General Indigenous-Led Resources (COVID-19, Flu, RSV)
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH): The NCCIH provides extensive resources, including webinars, videos, and fact sheets on vaccine confidence, mental health, and infectious disease prevention tailored for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
- Maad’ookiing Mshkiki | Sharing Medicine: A community-led initiative providing timely, accurate, and culturally relevant information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.
- We Matter: An Indigenous-led initiative providing support and resources to Indigenous youth regarding mental health and coping during the pandemic.
- Talk4Healing: A confidential, culturally safe helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario, available in 14 languages.
First Nations-Led Resources (FNHA & Others)
- First Nations Health Authority (BC): The FNHA provides comprehensive guidance for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Respiratory Illness Page: Protecting Wellness During Respiratory Illness Season
- RSV Resources: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
- COVID-19 Guide: A Guide to COVID-19 (PDF)
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Offers webinars, fact sheets, and tools focusing on safety and community wellness.
Métis-Led Resources
- Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): The MNO has led studies on vaccine behaviour and provides resources for its citizens, including the Virtual Care Program.
- Vaccine Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Behavior Community Report
- Health Initiatives: MNO Virtual Care Program
- Métis National Council (MNC): Provides information on support for Métis citizens.
Inuit-Led Resources (ITK)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK): ITK provides COVID-19 and health resources tailored for Inuit Nunangat, including info on federal benefits and safety infographics.
- Main Projects Page: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami COVID-19 Projects
- Infographics: COVID-19 Infographics
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI): Offers urban services, counseling, and food security resources for Inuit in Ontario.
Vaccine Hesitancy & Cultural Safety Resources
- NCCIH/NCCID Vaccine Confidence Resources: Fact sheets and guides for Indigenous peoples and professionals, available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
- Vaccine Mistrust Report: A document discussing the colonial origins of vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous peoples.
- Webinar on Vaccine Hesitancy: A session featuring Dr. Sarah Funnell, a First Nations Family Physician, discussing challenges and strategies for vaccine uptake.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Pfizer to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to COVID-19.
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of organizations committed to improving patient care:
Educational disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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