Dr. Evan Adams named Deputy PHO for Aboriginal Health

VANCOUVER, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The interim First Nations Health Authority and BC Ministry of Health are pleased to announce the appointment of esteemed Aboriginal Physician Dr. Evan Adams to the position of Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Aboriginal Health.

The appointment is a first for BC and in his new overseeing role Dr. Adams will work alongside Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall to provide independent direction on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues to the Ministry of Health, reporting to citizens on important health issues and moving forward on the improvement of First Nations and Aboriginal health and wellness.

"The elevation of Dr. Adams' position from Aboriginal Physician Advisor to Deputy PHO represents a huge step forward in the evolution of a First Nation provincial partnership," said Joe Gallagher, CEO of the First Nations Health Council.

Dr. Adams is a Coast Salish physician and acclaimed actor from the Sliammon First Nation located near Powell River. Previously he led as Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor to government and the First Nations Health Council along with involvement in dozens of other significant provincial health initiatives.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Adams is the new Deputy PHO," Minister of Health Michael de Jong.

"This new position can only help to reform systems, create better policies and achieve better Aboriginal health outcomes."

Dr. Adams' appointment represents another critical milestone in the evolving BC First Nations health landscape and brings greater Aboriginal perspective to the provincial health system with the goal of raising the quality of life for First Nations and all citizens.

Find the full release with backgrounder:
www.fnhc.ca/pdf/2012HLTH0028-000391.pdf

For more information connect online:
Interim First Nations Health Authority: www.fnhc.ca
Province of BC: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Davis McKenzie
Communications and Public Relations Director
Interim First Nations Health Authority
778-835-8276
[email protected] 

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250-952-1887