Wednesday, June 29, 2016
St Joseph's Health Care London
More Than A Good Neighbour
Elgin County OPP honoured with St Joseph's Community Partner of Distinction Award
They serve and protect with a difference. Showing great compassion and understanding for those with mental illness, Elgin County OPP has been recognized by St Joseph's Health Care London as a distinguished partner in battling stigma and advocating for the most vulnerable in our community.
The detachment is this year's recipient of the Community Partner of Distinction Award, which recognizes a group or organization that has made significant contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and the community as a whole through collaboration with St Joseph's.
"Elgin OPP has been more than just a good neighbour," says Janice Vandevooren, Director of the Forensic Psychiatry Program at St Joseph's Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, located in Elgin County. "We partner in a way that best serve our patients and also allows us to serve our mutual purpose of public safety."
The detachment has reached out into the larger community in numerous ways that impact individuals receiving mental health services, says Vandevooren. This includes:
- Participation in the Southwest LHIN Behavioural Supports Ontario program - a program aimed at improving the lives of older adults who display challenging behaviours due to mental health and addiction issues or dementia related diseases
- Development and implementation of a Provincial Mental Health Strategy, which required reaching out to more than 50 community partners across health, social, justice and political sectors to develop creative solutions to meeting the needs of individuals with mental health issues
- Participation in education sessions offered by St Joseph's teams to create better interactions with patients encountered in the community who exhibit signs of mental illness.
"St Joseph's sincerely appreciates all that Elgin County OPP do to serve and protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," says Vandevooren. "Elgin OPP has been a tremendous partner to St Joseph's and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities with them."
At a recent awards ceremony, Elgin County OPP was represented by Detachment Commander Brad Fishleigh, Detachment Manager Staff Sergeant Greg Dafoe and Staff Sergeant Al Gordon.
"St Joseph's helps us provide the best possible service where individuals suffering from mental illness are treated with dignity and respect," said Fishleigh. "Only through continued collaboration will our detachment be in a position to adapt and change to meet the needs of our community."
Media Contact:
Courtney Morgan
Communication and Public Affairs
519-646-6100 ext 65115
courtney.morgan@sjhc.london.on.ca
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