Health Administration

The Health Administration team provides critical oversight and leadership for the Department of Health. With a commitment to high-quality, community-focused care, this unit ensures that all DOH programs and services are aligned with Akwesasne's health needs and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Coordination: Guiding long-term goals and priorities for healthcare delivery.
• Resource Management: Overseeing funding, staffing, and supplies to support program operations.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensuring all services meet regulatory standards and reflect best practices.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with stakeholders to support wellness throughout Akwesasne.
• Support for Staff: Empowering healthcare teams with resources, guidance, and administrative assistance.

The Health Administration team is proud to support initiatives that foster improved health outcomes and a wholistic approach to wellness across all three districts.

The Akwesasne Non-Insured Health Benefits (ANIHB) program provides essential health benefits that supplement provincial health plans. Grounded in the 1979 Indian Health Policy and guided by federal agreements, the program helps cover the cost of specific services not insured by provincial plans, such as vision, dental, prescriptions, and medical supplies.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be registered with the Mohawks of Akwesasne
• Must reside in Canada
• Must possess a valid provincial health card

Covered Benefits:

• Vision: Exams & glasses (1/year under 17; 1/2 years for adults)
• Dental: Exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces (ages 0–17), dentures, root canals
• Pharmacy: Prescription & over-the-counter medications, including exception drugs
• Medical Supplies/Equipment: Walkers, hearing aids, orthotics, dressings, oxygen, etc.
• Medical Transportation: Costs for travel & accommodations related to medically necessary care

Not Covered:

US medical bills, dental implants, cosmetic procedures, medical marijuana, fertility and weight-loss medications.

Medical Co-Pay Program:

For QHIP/RAMQ clients accessing Ontario medical services.

Exception Drug Process:

1. Obtain prescription
2. Pharmacist submits request
3. ANIHB processes and returns a decision

Contact ANIHB:

Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon 
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2341 ext. 3340 
Toll-Free: 888-514-1966
Fax: 613-575-1153
Email: nihb@akwesasne.ca 

Program Manager: Melanie Gibson, CFNHM

Since 1981, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance (AMA) has been providing 24/7 emergency medical care to the community. Originating as the St. Regis Ambulance and evolving into a certified EMS provider, AMA has grown to meet the changing health needs of Akwesasne with professionalism and care.

Emergency Services:

• Advanced Life Support care
• Coverage for Kawehno:ke, Kana:takon, Tsi Snaihne, and portions of southern Akwesasne
• Over 2,000 emergency responses annually

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT):

• For elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals
• Available for non-ambulatory patients
• Call (613) 575-1159 to schedule

Refusal of Care:

Patients have the right to refuse transport or treatment. AMA ensures informed refusal through a structured process that evaluates communication, understanding, appreciation of condition, and reasoning.

To learn more, review NYS EMS Protocols: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/docs/bls_protocols.pdf

Affiliations & Oversight:

• Operates under NYS Department of Health EMS guidelines
• Member of the Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council

Contact AMA:

Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon 
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2341 ext. 3121 
Email: ama.unit@akwesasne.ca 

(Acting) Program Manager: Christie Cook