Partnering with Indigenous communities - NAPS

Creating better healthcare access for all

We are deeply committed to collaborating with rural and remote areas, prioritizing Indigenous communities where access to specialized healthcare can be limited. Alongside the Northern Institute for Deep Learning in Ultrasound (NIDUS) team at the University of Alberta, we have already begun developing partnerships for hip dysplasia screenings in several First Nations communities, including Enoch, Siksika, Maskwacis, and Fort McKay. We recognize that local communities must have a voice in addressing their arthritis-related needs, which is why respectful partnership with local representatives will continue as the project expands to new communities around the country.

"Indigenous babies in Canada are up to twelve times more likely to be born with developmental dysplasia of the hip, yet they face the greatest barriers to specialized care. We are committed to closing this healthcare gap and ensuring equitable outcomes for our Indigenous communities."

- Dr. Catherine Cook, National Indigenous Advisor at Arthritis Society Canada

Prioritizing Indigenous populations

We are seeking partnerships with rural and Indigenous communities who share our goal of improving health equity. If you believe this project would be beneficial to your community or would like to learn more about our efforts, please contact Cassandra Gallant at cgallant@arthritis.ca. Together, we can work toward preventing hip dysplasia in babies and creating better healthcare access for all.

“This is a transformative journey, potentially uncovering a cure for a specific type of osteoarthritis and putting an end to a lifetime of pain for millions.”

- Dr. Jacob Jaremko, MD, PhD, Professor and Canada CIFAR AI Chair, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta

This is your opportunity to be part of a legacy-building initiative – driving equity in our healthcare system and reaching at-risk infants. A chance to stop pain before it starts with a handheld device that harnesses the promise of AI, making next-generation healthcare a reality.

Join us today, and help create the healthcare of tomorrow.