The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is committed to ensuring that Clients can access essential health and wellness supports as part of their healing journeys. To support this goal, FNHA is expanding the Medical Transportation (MT) Benefit to include travel for Clients attending FNHA-funded trauma and recovery programs, as well as the new Orca Lelum Youth Treatment Centre.
Effective December 2, 2024, the MT Benefit will provide travel assistance for Clients seeking care at trauma-informed and culturally grounded recovery programs. This change is part of the FNHA's commitment to improving access to mental health and wellness resources and ensuring that trauma-informed care is available to everyone who needs it.
Eligible trauma and recovery programs for travel support include:
In addition, under the Travel to FNHA-Funded Treatment Centres for Substance Use Treatment policy, the FNHA now supports travel to the newly established Orca Lelum Youth Treatment Centre in Lantzville, BC. This center offers both medically supervised withdrawal services and a live-in residential wellness program specifically designed for Indigenous youth ages 12 to 18 who have experienced challenges with trauma and or substance use. With a strong focus on trauma-informed care, Orca Lelum combines traditional healing practices with modern therapies to address the unique needs of youth on their paths to healing and recovery.
For more information about eligibility and travel support for these programs, please visit the FNHA website or reach out to FNHA MT Operations at 1-855-550-5454 or your local Patient Travel (PT) Clerk if you live in community.
About the MT Benefit
The MT benefit provides supplemental coverage of transportation, accommodation and meals to assist Clients who need to access medically necessary health services not available in their communities of residence. Learn more about MT and other health benefits.
Learn more about the supports available through the FNHA Mental Wellness program.
For additional information or support, please contact First Nations Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454 or healthbenefits@fnha.ca
