A new program is being established to provide dialysis to remote communities in northern Labrador.
A partnership between Labrador-Grenfell Health and Rotary International will provide home and community-based dialysis services in Natuashish, and will also extend additional support to a similar service in Sheshatshiu and training facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Labrador has some of the fastest growing rates of chronic kidney disease in young people. Currently there is no dialysis service in coastal Labrador communities, even though the majority of those in need are Indigenous people living on the north coast.
In order to access dialysis, residents are forced to spend up to $1,000 round trip to Happy Valley-Goose Bay to receive treatment up to three times a week.
Due to costs and a number of health risks associated with the travel, many patients are forced to move from their community.
The new project will attempt to reduce those barriers and provide easier health care access to remote communities.
An official launch will take place at the Labrador Health Centre on Friday, April 28 at 10am.
Story courtesy of VOCM news.