Author Archives: BTDH Communications
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Merry Christmas from the BTDH Wound Care Program
Comments Off on Merry Christmas from the BTDH Wound Care Program
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Boil Water Advisory Cancelled for Moses Lake Public Water Supply
Comments Off on Boil Water Advisory Cancelled for Moses Lake Public Water SupplyPlease be advised that the Boil Water Advisory for the Moses Lake Public Water Supply has been cancelled. The advisory applies to all houses, daycares, buildings, connected to the plant.
Appropriate actions have been taken and follow-up bacteriological water results have been satisfactory. The water is now safe for purposes such as drinking, making ice, preparing baby formula, juice or other mixes, brushing teeth, food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables.
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Navigating the holidays in recovery
Comments Off on Navigating the holidays in recoveryThe holiday season brings joy and celebration, but for those in recovery from alcohol or substance misuse,the holidays can test even the strongest commitments to sobriety.
Here are key strategies for preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and practically to successfully navigate the holidays while in recovery, courtesy of the Blood Tribe Department of Health Wellness Program:
How to Stay Grounded & Supported
- Identify Your Triggers and Set Boundaries: Saying “no” is an act of self-respect. Know what situations, people, or places might challenge your sobriety.
- Check In and Reach Out: Connect with supportive loved ones and don’t hesitate to reach out to professional supports. Create a plan for who you can contact if things feel heavy.
- Embrace New Traditions: Create new traditions and make new memories by participating in events that maintain your sobriety.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Maintain your established self-care routines throughout the holidays to stay grounded. Don’t be afraid to plan ahead or turn in early for quiet time or sleep, as the holidays can be exhausting.
You’re Not Alone. Support Is Available.
If you or a loved one need support, please reach out:
- Bringing the Spirit Home: 403-737-8600
- Blood Tribe Wellness Program: 403-737-3883
- Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit: 587-612-5356
For more health information, visit btdh.ca.
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Wound care program: healing is your journey
Comments Off on Wound care program: healing is your journeyDiabetes Management
Taking care of your feet is an extremely important and essential part of managing diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow, leading to serious complications that can start small but quickly escalate.
Diabetic foots ulcers (DU) are wounds that usually occur on the bottom of feet. They can be shallow or deep exposing, tendons and bone. DFU’s can be caused from uncontrolled blood sugar, diabetic neuropathy (loss of feeling), poor circulation or shoes that do not fit right (too big or small).
Symptoms
- Open sores or wounds on the feet
- Red or swollen areas of skin
- Thick, callused skin
- The wound may not be painful due to nerve damage
Treatment and Prevention of Ulcer
- Control blood sugar levels
- Inspect feet daily; use a mirror to see entire foot
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Have a certified nurse cut toe nails
- Access wound care and medical treatment from a doctor or nurse
Tips on Footwear
- Shake out your shoes before you put them on.
- Wear shoes at all times, indoors and out.
- Buy shoes with closed toes as they protect your feet from injury.
- Change your socks every day.
- Buy shoes late in the day as feet tend to swell.
- Have your shoes professionally fitted by a footwear specialist.
Contact Information for Levern Wound Care Program
Amanda Sowiak RN, BN NSWOC
- Phone: 403-737-8610 x 8771
- Fax: 403-737-2352
- Email: amanda.s@btdh.ca
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Donate to bringing the spirit home this holiday season
Comments Off on Donate to bringing the spirit home this holiday season
Christmas is around the corner and the team at Bringing the Spirit Home are wanting to make this holiday season special for our members who are accessing services.
During the holidays, we recognize that many of our members struggle with their mental health, being away from their families, and/or are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please help us in encouraging our members to continue their sobriety this holiday season.
The following are gift suggestions; items are safe for participants to have while in detox and safe for use in external environments:
- Socks
- Plain shirts
- Gloves
- Caps
- Hand/Foot warmers
- Emergency blankets
- Toques
- Candy/Chocolate
- Puzzles
- Puzzle/Crossword books
- Adult coloring books
- Gel pens/Pencils
- Crayons/Markers/Pens for colouring
- Encouraging sobriety journals
- NotebooksPlanners
- Sage and Sweetgrass
- Smudge bowls
- Cigarettes/Tobacco
- Movie Mill gift cards
- Arts and crafts supplies
The Bringing the Spirit Home team will be gifting the presents on Thursday, December 25, 2025. For more information, contact Amanda Fox or Ellie First Rider at 403-737-8600. Thank you in advance and have a safe, and healthy Christmas and New Year.
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Moses Lake Public Water System: Current Water Quality and Regulatory Compliance Status
Comments Off on Moses Lake Public Water System: Current Water Quality and Regulatory Compliance StatusExecutive Summary: Compliance Status
Based on recent bacteriological and chemical analyses, the New Moses Lake Public Water Supply meets all parameters of the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. The water is microbiologically safe, and key chemical parameters are maintained at levels well below regulatory limits.
Detailed Water Quality Results
Bacteriological Results
All submitted samples, including those from the New Moses Lake Water Treatment Plant and distribution midpoints, confirm full compliance with health standards:
- E. coli and Total Coliforms: All results were recorded as ABSENT (MPN/100mL), verifying the absence of microbiological contamination throughout the system.
Chemical Results
The comprehensive chemical analysis (September 2025) indicates that all measured parameters are well within the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) and Aesthetic Objective (AO) guidelines.
Drinking Water Safety and Sampling Program
Water treatment facility operators and the EPHS team share joint responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water. Our BTDH Community-Based Water Monitors conduct rigorous weekly water sample tests across 28 public water systems, including:
- The Entry to Distribution System (New Moses Lake Water Treatment Plant).
- Various Midpoint locations.
- Other systems (water trucks, private wells, and cisterns).
Last year, BTDH and EPHS teams completed a total of 2,767 water sampling tests, demonstrating comprehensive and ongoing system oversight.
EPHS Collaboration and Oversight
The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) partners with ISC Environmental Public Health Services (EPHS) and their EPHO for risk prevention, inspections, and technical guidance.
With the Moses Lake water treatment plant currently commissioning, BTDH, Blood Tribe Public Works and ISC are active monitoring and addressing the community’s water quality concerns.
The Bottom Line: Your Water is Safe to Drink.
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BTDH CEO Derrick Fox Announces Departure
Comments Off on BTDH CEO Derrick Fox Announces DepartureStandoff, AB — The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) Board of Directors announces that Derrick Fox will be departing from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of September 2025.
Derrick has served the Blood Tribe Department of Health with humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to the health and wellness of Kainaiwa for nearly three decades. He began his career with BTDH in April 1997 as a Finance Clerk and went on to serve as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer before being appointed CEO in April 2020.
During his tenure, Derrick guided BTDH through the COVID-19 pandemic, led the expansion of Bringing the Spirit Home detox program from eight to 24 beds, oversaw the development of post-detox and pre-treatment services, and supported the establishment of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter & Stabilization Unit in 2023. He also ensured BTDH maintained its accreditation with commendation status — a milestone that safeguarded the delivery of safe, high-quality, and culturally grounded care for members.
“Derrick has always led from the heart. His humble leadership, friendly presence, and steady guidance will leave a lasting impact on this organization and our community,” said Marcel Weasel Head, Chair of the BTDH Board of Directors. “While we will miss his leadership, we support his decision to place family first and wish him the very best in this new chapter.”
Effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Chief Operating Officer Kash Shade will assume the role of Interim CEO. The Senior Leadership Team will continue to carry out current workplans, reporting structures, and approvals, ensuring all programs and services move forward without interruption.
About the Blood Tribe Department of Health
The Blood Tribe Department of Health provides comprehensive health and wellness services to the Blood Tribe community, guided by Kainayssini values. From primary care to community wellness, BTDH is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and culturally grounded services for all members. For more information, visit www.btdh.ca
Media Contact:
Email: communications@btdh.ca
Please note that photos of Derrick speaking at the Recovery Community Groundbreaking Ceremony and at the Blood Tribe Health Fair Community walk are courtesy of Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement.
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Health Advisory: Carbon monoxide Exposure at Piikani Hockey Arena
Comments Off on Health Advisory: Carbon monoxide Exposure at Piikani Hockey ArenaToday, Aug. 20, 2025, a number of individuals were at the Piikani Nation Hockey Arena in Brocket when a carbon monoxide leak occurred.
All individuals who were in attendance should seek immediate medical attention for further testing if they have not already done so. This includes any individuals who are experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or drowsiness. Please present to an emergency department for testing, letting them know of the carbon monoxide exposure.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when you breathe too much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by burning any type of fuel—gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. What makes this gas so dangerous is that when you breathe it, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. Without oxygen, cells throughout the body die, and the organs stop working.
You can’t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. But if you breathe too much of it, it can become deadly within minutes. So be sure you know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, what to do if you have the symptoms, and how to keep it from happening.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea/vomiting .
As carbon monoxide builds up in your blood, symptoms get worse and may include:
- Confusion and drowsiness.
- Fast breathing, fast heartbeat, or chest pain.
- Vision problems.
- Seizures.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur suddenly or over a long period of time. Breathing low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period can cause severe heart problems and brain damage.
How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated?
The best treatment is oxygen therapy. Breathing pure oxygen can bring the oxygen level in the blood back to normal. There are two kinds of oxygen therapy:
- 100% oxygen therapy. For this treatment, you breathe oxygen through a mask. This is the most common treatment.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For this treatment, you lie inside a chamber that delivers oxygen under high pressure. This quickly reduces carbon monoxide levels in the blood.
With quick treatment, most people recover within a few days although long-term problems may show up later, therefore please follow up with your health care provider.
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Notice of Temporary Closure: August 22, 2025
Comments Off on Notice of Temporary Closure: August 22, 2025Due to a water main break in Standoff, the Blood Tribe Department of Health Continuing Care Centre, and Administration Building will be closed until further notice. This closure impacts all essential and non-essential programs operating out of the main facility in Standoff, including:
- Long Term Care
- Continuing Care
- Medical Transportation
- Mobile Medical Unit
- Bringing the Spirit Home
- Home Care
- Community Health
- Standoff Clinic
- Administration
- Blood Tribe Pharmacy
- Blood Tribe Dental
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners at Alberta Health Services South Zone and the Good Samaritan Society for their support in ensuring the continuity of care for our Elders.
Program Updates
Long Term Care: Residents are being safely transported by Medical Transportation and Emergency Services to appropriate care options, including placement with family or partnering continuing care facilities.
Bringing the Spirit Home: Participants have been relocated to the Standoff Post-Detox Trailers, where detox and post-detox services will continue. Please note that new intakes are suspended until services resume at the main facility.
Medical Transportation and Mobile Medical Unit: Limited services will continue on Friday, August 22.
Home Care: Limited services will continue on Friday, August 22.
Community Health: Limited services will continue on Friday, August 22.
Standoff Clinic: Closed until further notice.
Administration: Open Friday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for cheque pick-up, including weekly and payroll cheques.
Blood Tribe Pharmacy: Open Friday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Patients who cannot attend during these hours may transfer prescriptions to another pharmacy.
Blood Tribe Dental: Services will reopen next Wednesday, August 27.
BTDH Wellness Program, Blood Tribe Emergency Services, Levern Clinic, and Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit are NOT affected by this disruption and will continue to operate as normal.
Staff from affected programs will be available remotely with limited access to on-site resources. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this unexpected disruption in services.
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Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament
Comments Off on Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament
The Blood Tribe Department of Health invites you to tee-off for our first annual golf tournament event taking place on Friday, September 19th, 2025 at the Magrath Golf Club.
This exciting event has been created in response to raising funds and awareness for one of numerous health priorities within our community. Demonstrating Kim-ma-pii-pi-sinni (kindness), Aako-mimh-taan (love and respect) and Ah-saps-sinni (generosity) are the fundamental values rooted within the start up of our inaugural event.
2025 BTDH Golf Tournament
Registration: 9:00 AM
Shotgun Start: 10:00 AMTeam Fee: $800 per team
Team Composition: 3 Male / 1 Female
Includes: Dinner and a chance to win great prizes!To Register:
Send e-transfer to finance@btdh.ca.Deadline to register is September 5, 2025. Any questions about registering your team please contact karson.h@btdh.ca.
Prize Breakdown
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1st Place: $2,500 + Jackets
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2nd Place: $2,000 + Windbreakers
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3rd Place: $1,500 + Sweaters
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4th Place: $1,000 + Polo Shirts
Additional Contests
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Hole-in-One
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Proxies
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Super KP
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Raffle Draws
Don’t miss your shot—REGISTER HERE:
The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) welcomes you as a sponsor for the golf tournament!
This exciting event has been created in response to raising funds and awareness for one of numerous health priorities within our community.
Demonstrating Kim-ma-pii-pi-sinni (kindness), Aako-mimh-taan (love and respect) and Ah-saps-sinni (generosity) are the fundamental values rooted within the start up of our inaugural event.
The primary focus for our 1st Annual Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament is to fundraise $25,000 that will help support and honour our precious Elder residents living within our 24-bed Long Term Care Centre by purchasing expensive medical equipment and comfort furnishings in addition to increasing funds for their extra-curricular recreational activities.
We are reaching out to invite you to join us as a valued sponsor of this meaningful cause. We encourage sponsors to send us their response by Friday, August 29th to provide us with ample time for marketing and communication purposes. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to achieving our goal of ensuring our elders are cared for and respected.
Your support will not only contribute directly to improving the lives of our cherished seniors but will also demonstrate a positive image and healthy commitment in helping our organization improve community health outcomes by delivering high-quality, innovative and culturally informed care.
View Sponsorship Package HereSPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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