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First Nations, Inuit & Métis Kidney Care

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are disproportionally affected by chronic kidney disease, and more likely to travel long distances for treatment.

Purpose

We support the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, including those living in rural, remote and isolated communities, by creating culturally and geographically appropriate kidney care. We do this work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, healthcare providers and Regional Renal Programs across Ontario.

Major Initiatives

  • Improve educational resources on healthy living for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people
  • Develop screening and referral tools to help prevent and manage risk factors for chronic kidney disease
  • Increase access to kidney care services, creating options for patients to receive treatment closer to home
  • Improve healthcare provider awareness and cultural competence
  • Create opportunities for patients to give and receive peer support
  • Facilitate culturally appropriate research to monitor delivery of and quality for kidney care  

Why Our Work is Important

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, compared with other Canadians, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people:

  • are more than 3 times as likely to need treatment for end-stage kidney disease
  • are 4 times as likely to travel long distances (over 250 kilometers) for treatment because kidney care services are not delivered in a geographically appropriate way
  • on average, travel 4 times the distance to receive treatment

Challenges Faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people

  • Lower access to health information and poor access to affordable healthy and nutritious foods
  • High poverty and lower quality of housing in many rural and remote communities
  • Significant travel time for clinic visits and treatment, often resulting in people receiving care far from their home communities
  • Challenges with housing, utilities and logistics (such as supply delivery) for home dialysis
  • Limited access to healthcare services and community support