Event Report: Care for All Canada at Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Doppler Ultrasound Kit Delivery & Wound Care Capacity-Building Initiative

Date of Event: August 6, 2025

Location: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Northern Manitoba
Organized by: Care for All Canada Inc. in partnership with Project ECHO

Overview

On August 6, 2025, Care for All Canada, in collaboration with Project ECHO, delivered two Doppler ultrasound kits equipped with infrared thermometers, bandages, gauze, and instructional wound care materials to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), a northern Manitoba community of approximately 5,000 residents.

NCN currently lacks full-time access to a health centre, presenting ongoing challenges in managing nonhealing wounds, soft tissue infections, and chronic vascular concerns. This initiative directly supports frontline care delivery in this context by improving diagnostic capacity and enabling earlier intervention for high-risk patients.

Through our partnership with Project ECHO, this delivery was embedded within a broader effort to support sustainable, community-led care. Health workers from NCN have been enrolled in Project ECHO’s Indigenous Health and Wound Care programs—virtual knowledge-sharing networks that facilitate case-based learning and mentorship from specialists across Canada.

Activities and Engagement

• Equipment Delivery & Onboarding:
  Two Doppler ultrasound kits were delivered alongside infrared thermometers, bandages, gauzes, and printed and digital resources on wound assessment and care. These materials are designed for low-resource environments and were selected based on input from local providers and nurses.

• Training & Education Access:
  Community healthcare workers were enrolled in Project ECHO sessions focused on Indigenous health and chronic wound management. These programs provide regular virtual teaching and mentorship, enabling local providers to build expertise without needing to leave the community.

• Ongoing Support:
  Instructional tools include step-by-step guides on Doppler use, identifying high-risk lower extremity wounds, and recognizing soft tissue infections. Local nurses will also receive follow-up support through ECHO networks.

Community Impact

• Estimated Patients Impacted: 800 individuals annually

• Equipment Provided:

  • 2 portable Doppler ultrasound kits

  • 2 infrared thermometers

  • 100+ bandages and gauzes

  • Instructional wound care manuals and digital access

• Healthcare Workers Enrolled in ECHO Training: 5 (initial cohort)

This delivery marks an important milestone in equipping remote Indigenous communities with tools and training to address critical gaps in wound and skin care. Community leaders and frontline staff expressed deep appreciation for the support, particularly for resources that foster autonomy and long-term health system strengthening.

Reflections and Next Steps

This initiative exemplifies Care for All Canada’s mission to bridge dermatologic and wound care access gaps in underserved communities. By combining equipment delivery with mentorship-based education, we aim to support NCN in delivering timely, effective care rooted in cultural safety and local empowerment.

We are exploring additional visits to support ongoing implementation, including seasonal follow-ups and remote consultation pathways. We also look forward to growing our partnership with Project ECHO and other Indigenous communities facing similar barriers.

We thank the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation for their trust, the Project ECHO team for their ongoing collaboration, and all healthcare workers in NCN who continue to serve with dedication and resilience.

Prepared by:
Care for All Canada
careforallcanada@gmail.com
Instagram: @careforall.canada