Sudbury, ON, Mar 20, 2025 – As part of the commitment to reduce the number of avoidable, non traumatic lower limb amputations within the attributed population of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT), healthcare professionals, First Nation community members and caregivers gathered for the second annual Lower Limb Preservation Symposium.

The event was a full day immersive education on lower limb health and featured information and topics that are critical for preventative care: traditional medicine, lived experience, smoking cessation, chiropody and offloading, and diabetes education. The day culminated in a cedar foot cleanse activity.

The Lower Limb Preservation (LLP) Project Mandate

The LLP Project mandate is to reduce lower limb amputations by improving equitable access to high-quality early screening, risk factor modification and an integrated wound care standard for the members of communities served by the MOHT.

Project Background

Each year, over 1,200 major lower limb amputations occur in Ontario, representing one of the highest prevalence rates in Canada. It is estimated that up to 85% of these amputations could be prevented. In the Northeast and Northwest regions of Ontario, amputation rates can be up to seven times higher than the provincial average.

Two primary risk factors for major limb amputation are Peripheral Vascular Disease and Diabetes. Most of these amputations follow the presence of a wound.

It’s crucial to design and implement a limb preservation program using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that incorporates the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous community members, leaders, and healthcare providers.

Current Project Status

Since inception, the LLP Project team have introduced standardized assessments and screening tools within community health clinics, provided hands-on and continuing education and training to care providers, and hosted community engagement sessions.

In 2025, this work will continue to broaden with further training and development for healthcare providers in community, along with the development of assistive technology that will aid in the treatment of wounds.

Acknowledgements

Maamwesying Ontario Health Team would like to acknowledge the great contributions made to the success of the event, starting with our Elders, who provided valuable insights from a lived experience perspective.

Event Contributors:

Josée Sénéchal, Lower Limb Preservation Project Coordinator, Maamwesying OHT

Brian Nootchtai, Mental Health Cultural Counsellor, MNSCHS

Patricia Toulouse, Traditional Medicine Practitioner, MNSCHS

Marina McCumber, Community Health Nurse, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Amy Esposito, Nurse Practitioner, Baawaating Family Health Team

Jasmine Santos, RN in Primary Care, Baawaating Family Health Team

Paul Bourget, Physiotherapist, Home and Community Support Services MNSCHS

Emmy Arsenault, Physiotherapist, Home and Community Support Services, MNSCHS

Nick Peters, Physiotherapist, Home and Community Support Services, MNSCHS

Richard San Cartier, Nurse Practitioner, MNSCHS

Rob Pyott, Chiropodist, Health Sciences North

Deanna Falvo, Chiropodist, Health Sciences North

Jessica Hubbard, Diabetes Nurse Educator, MNSCHS

Kasey Bissaillion, Diabetes Nurse Educator, MNSCHS Northern Clinic

Jackie Tangie-Roy, Cultural Wellness Worker, MNSCHS Northern Clinic

Angie Fletcher, Client Care Coordinator, MNSCHS Northern Clinic

Maamwesying Ontario Health Team is supported by funding from the Government of Ontario.