The Huu-ay-aht Health Department does a weekly phone check-ins with citizens living on-reserve and off-reserve (Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Port Alberni) to ensure they feel supported and cared for during this time. The health staff ask community members about their wellness, any symptoms or need for a virtual health consult, self-care practices, and support with home schooling. The pandemic has impacted many staff roles, so functions have been reassigned to support their extended outreach to community members.

Huu-ay-aht is delivering groceries to the Anacla community on a weekly basis, and recently delivered food fish as well. Regular notices are posted to the Huu-ay-aht website, including information on how to properly disinfect homes and virtual self-care practices.

Reassigning staff roles ensures everyone can contribute during this time and gives staff whose functions have been impacted a sense of purpose. The weekly phone check-ins and grocery deliveries ensure community members feel supported and cared for. The Elders appreciated being heard and listened to on the phone calls.