health study, Fort McKay

First Nations and Metis residents in Fort McKay and the surrounding area will soon launch a health study that is comprehensive in the hopes of addressing community health problems and needs. For years these groups have been frustrated with the Alberta health information and processes, and they decided to launch their own health study in Fort McKay as a result. Starting in September data and health information collection will be undertaken by medical staff in the local community. This collection will hopefully include all of the residents, numbering at more than 700. Physical exams, samples of blood and urine, and even hair samples may be taken. Once all of the health data has been collected it will be turned over to epidemiologists and toxicologists who will review all of the data closely.

The Fort McKay health study will include an examination of the oilsands, and he environmental impacts that they have. Other factors that will be examined and analyzed will include diet, medical history, genetics, substance abuse, lifestyles, obesity, and other activities. According to the resident physician at Fort McKay, Dr. John O’Connor, “This is going to be complete and comprehensive. It must be comprehensive. Let’s look at every determinate of health. We’re going to take the high-road on this study. It’s not like we will try to twist the data towards a conclusion we’re looking for. This is going to be very thorough. The assumption is the government has decided they have other priorities, despite their public announcement. So it’s time to stop waiting and take things into the hands of the community.”