GHCS

The population of Gesgapegiag is increasing and there are many young families in the community.
Our Community has a population of 1305 members as of December 2009, on reserve are 623 community members, of this number there are 252 members who are under the age of 19 years old.
In 1958, there were 81 families living in the community, now there are over 200.

The target group for our project is under 19, by working with families and extended families the goal is to develop parenting skills and build relationships with our children in order to maintain a strong future for the community

A little more information

Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services (GHCS) was established in 1996 as a department of the band. It is located in the heart of the community near the school, daycare and church and is easily accessible to all community members.

First organized as a medical or nursing station in the traditional sense, the GHCS has changed the emphasis to one of a more holistic approach to community health. A great of work has been done to fine-tune the programs, and to improve record-keeping and reporting. Currently, there is 38 staff in the different programs administrated by the Health Center.

The GHCS took over social services under a contract signed with the province in 1996 and has proved the ability to operate this crucial services.

The GHCS has a solid organizational structure, with job description for each position and regular  staff meetings for information exchange and program planning. Every special event is a team effort bringing together all programs to work on common issues (eg.- National Addictions Awareness Week)

GHCS

Vision, Mission and Philosophy

Vision

The Gesgapegiag Community Health Committee and the Gesgapegiag Health and Community services will use a community approach based on traditional values (respect, pride, honour, sharing, giving thanks, taking responsibility, we are all related) to support and promote holistic well-being so that community members become empowered to heal themselves.

Mission

The mission of the Gesgapegiag Community Health Committee and the Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services is to support Gesgapegiag community members to become whole by offering general, specialized, and alternative services of superior quality. To encourage self-awareness, enhanced communication flow between caregivers and the community is a cornerstone of the mission.

Management Philosophy

Our philosophy reflects the ancient teachings of our ancestors: a holistic approach to individual well-being by giving support for self-healing through respect and taking responsibility. The focus is on promoting and advocating family and community interaction while improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.