Frequently Asked Questions
June 22, 2016
- Exactly where will the profits from the Spirit Meter go?
A share of Spirit Pharmaceuticals’ profits from sales of test strips will go directly to programs that help educate and control diabetes in communities.
- Will the profits for diabetes education be dedicated to anything specific?
Yes, the focus will be on diabetes education and programs that reach into Indigenous communities.
Discussions are underway with Canadian Diabetes Association to determine how best to do that.
- How much will those profits be?
It’s still too early to tell. Anyone can buy the Spirit Meter and know that when they do, some of the profits are going back in to diabetes education and programs. The more people buy the Spirit Meter the more funds will go back into education and programs.
- Adam Beach has lent his name to this product and appears in the ads, why does he support it?
Like a lot of Indigenous people Adam Beach has family and friends effected by diabetes and believes that anyone and everyone can buy the Spirit Meter and help address diabetes, especially in Indigenous communities.
- Why did Tribal Council Investment decide to put this product on the market?
TCIG has had a healthcare arm, First Canadian Health Management, since 1998. This endeavor is an extension of that commitment. The TCIG board was looking for a product that allowed us to get back to our original vision, to seek out business opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous members.
- Where can the Spirit Meter be purchased?
All pharmacies in Manitoba have access to wholesalers who can stock the Spirit Meter for them.
- How much does the Spirit Meter cost?
As with all glucose testing meters the Spirit Meter is provided at no charge when someone also orders a box of test strips. The boxes of strips are covered by most insurance plans including Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program of Canada, so the cost to the patient will vary based on their particular insurance plan. The Spirit Meter is available through many pharmacies and medical supply companies and has been priced competitively.
FACTS:
- 4 million or 9.3 per cent of Canadians were diagnosed with diabetes in 2015
- Diabetes rates are 3 to 5 times higher in Indigenous communities
- Regular diabetes testing with glucose meters helps monitor and control the disease
- The Spirit Meter is covered by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program of Canada
- 7 Manitoba tribal councils make up TCIG, representing 49 First Nations communities in Manitoba
Learn more at: www.tcig.biz and www.diabetes.ca
For more information, please contact: 204-947-1916 or visit www.tcig.biz
