Whitehorse General Hospital prepares for MRI

 

Whitehorse General is preparing for a big upgrade, making room for Canada’s first MRI machine North of 60.

The hospital is already a very bright and clean space with high ceilings and a modern look.

 

“Dun Kenji Ku,” a place for people with FASD

 

Whitehorse has opened a new residence which caters to people with FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It will provide apartments for independent living with councillors in the building.

FASD is a type of brain damage which is inflicted when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Oftentimes it is misdiagnosed. The victims often have cognitive disabilities and emotional problems. (One example is an inability to see consequences of actions or plan ahead, also sometimes a propensity to explosive temper.)

Yukon is currently studying the prevalence of people with FASD in the justice system. People with FASD are also over-represented among the homeless population and also in emergency room visits.

This housing-first approach (result of a $3 million investment, from federal, territorial, even municipal) is a study in preventing problems before they start.

 

The Whitehorse General Hospital

Here’s an exterior view of the hospital which serves Whitehorse and surrounding communities. It’s a very modern-looking facility.