News

CMHA celebrates Social Work Week 2021

From March 1-7, CMHA Champlain East will recognize the valuable contributions and expertise of Ontario social workers. Social Work Week annually celebrates the profession and the valuable work of approximately 18,000 registered Ontario social workers. This week, we will celebrate alongside the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and our branch staff.

This year’s theme is “You Are Not Alone. Social Workers: Real Experts for Real Life”. Social workers can help you get the most out of your relationships, work and community life. They help you to identify the source of stress or problems, strengthen coping skills and find effective solutions.

Show your support by visiting the OASW website and learning how you can celebrate Social Work Week.

CMHA supports Pink Shirt Day

On February 24, individuals and organizations across the country will come together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day, an annual anti-bullying campaign.

Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; the person doing the bullying has power over the person being victimized. In additional to any physical trauma incurred, bullying can result in mental health issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression.

Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem. This year’s theme for Pink Shirt Day is “Lift each other up”; a simple but powerful message encouraging the celebration of the things that make us unique.

For more information on anti-bullying resources, visit pinkshirtday.ca.

CMHA celebrates Canada’s Agriculture Day

On February 23, CMHA Champlain East joins organizations around the country in celebrating this important event.

Canada’s Agriculture Day is a time to showcase all the amazing things happening in the Canadian agriculture industry and help us see the connection to where our food comes from and the people who produce it.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Share your passion for agriculture and inspire others to join the conversation! Post a photo or make a video on social media using the hashtag #CdnAgDay.
• Teach someone something new about agriculture. Share your knowledge and story with others.

For more information on Canada’s Agriculture Day, visit AgDay.ca.

Expand access to harm reduction interventions during COVID-19: CMHA Ontario branches support safer supply approaches

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) network consists of 28 branches across the province that provide community-based clinical and social services to Ontarians living with mental health and substance-use issues. All CMHA branches work from a harm-reduction framework that aims to support individuals with substance-use concerns and connect them with services. Some of our branches offer comprehensive supports, including Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics, youth addictions programming, managed alcohol programs, and a broad range of harm reduction and outpatient substance-use counselling and supports.

It is with this perspective in mind that our network of CMHA branches in Ontario wish to voice our support for safer opioid supply approaches in Ontario.

Ontario has been in a state of opioid overdose crisis for several years, as the number of lives lost has steadily increased. In 2019, our province experienced the worst effects of this when we recorded the highest number of opioid-related overdose deaths in the country: 1,509.¹ Furthermore, with this pandemic we are seeing compounding public health emergencies: the wide-ranging and deadly health impacts of COVID-19, plus a significant increase in overdoses due to opioids, largely due to an increasingly toxic drug supply. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March until June, there has been a nearly 40 per cent increase in opioid-related deaths. If the current data trends continue, 2,271 opioid-related deaths are expected in 2020, making it the most tragic year on record.²

It is essential that substance use and harm reduction approaches, including safer opioid supply initiatives, are scaled up, in order to provide services and support for people who use drugs (PWUD) in Ontario.

Safer opioid supply (SOS) is an approach that focuses on saving lives through the provision of safe doses of opioid medication, provided by a health care practitioner, as an alternative to the contaminated sources of unregulated drugs currently available on the street.³ SOS provides people who may not have responded to other forms of treatment with a safer medical alternative from a licensed prescriber. These programs also aim to connect individuals with health and psychosocial services, which may be more difficult to access during the COVID-19 outbreak.⁴

Safe supply and other harm reduction initiatives exist on a broad continuum of substance-use programming that aims to support Ontarians who use substances by minimizing their risks and providing low-barrier access to support. In Ontario, several SOS models currently exist and are predominantly located within Community Health Centres, where in addition to primary care, clients can also be connected to a broad range of psychosocial supports. While the evidence in support of these models is emerging, preliminary data shows that SOS programs have been successful in mitigating harms and supporting people who are at imminent risk of death due to a toxic drug supply.^5,6

While there are several factors contributing to the overdose crisis, exposure to toxic substances in an unregulated (illicit) market is the primary driver of overdose deaths in Ontario. Fentanyl and its analogues have been found to be the major cause of opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Individuals purchasing substances on the street may consume fentanyl without their knowledge, causing overdoses among people who may be unaware that they were consuming high-strength opioids.⁷ Research shows that the vast majority of deaths (87 per cent) are attributable to fentanyl and nearly all deaths (96 per cent) are accidental.⁸ As such, what is widely referred to as an overdose crisis, is in fact better described as a drug-poisoning crisis.⁹

Advocates for safer supply approaches reference the way in which the government controls and distributes alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, for example, and suggest that treating other substances similarly – by providing a regulated safe supply – has the potential to reduce overdose deaths.¹⁰ The purpose of safer supply is to provide a less risky way for people to access what they are seeking when using street drugs, while reducing the risk of death and engaging in wraparound health and social supports. This is increasingly important as we know that PWUD continue to be stigmatized and criminalized which can lead to marginalization from the health care system that may make them especially vulnerable to health and social harms, especially during a pandemic.¹¹

As the data continues to emerge during this time it is clear that the pandemic is contributing to an increase in overall substance use among vulnerable populations. Homeless youth report a 69 per cent increase in substance use since the beginning of the pandemic and there is a 37 per cent increase in overdoses with this population.¹² In addition, closures of services have led PWUD to unsafe consumption practices such as using alone.¹³ We are seeing this clearly with evidence indicating that 75 per cent of overdose deaths during this pandemic were people who were alone, with no one available to intervene or administer naloxone.¹⁴

The pandemic and overdose crisis are not only intersecting public health emergencies taking place in Ontario, but COVID-19 is exacerbating harms and placing people who use drugs at higher risk of negative health outcomes including opioid poisoning. We know that the overdose crisis, in conjunction with COVID-19, has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities contributing to further lives lost. There are greater rates of opioid poisonings in communities with higher ethno-cultural diversity and lower socioeconomic status. This parallels the communities that are also experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 infection and deaths.¹⁵ While a toxic and unpredictable drug supply is the main driver, physical distancing, disruption to services, and self-isolation protocols have further elevated risks.¹⁶ Each region in our province was already experiencing this overdose crisis, and COVID-19 has only accelerated the need for action and alternative approaches.

It is crucial that during this time of dual public health emergencies, expanded access to a range of low-barrier interventions be both available and accessible. We need immediate action from government and the health care system to prevent further deaths. Overdose prevention interventions like safer supply models are essential in addressing the imminent risk of death for people who use substances in Ontario. CMHA has been actively engaged in responding to the opioid crisis across the province and are strong supporters of harm-reduction approaches. We also support the programs and health-care practitioners that are providing greater access to safer, pharmaceutical grade alternatives to the toxic street supply. It is crucial that organizations and health-care practitioners feel supported and equipped to do so during this time. In addition, we urge the Ontario government to work with leaders in our sector to ensure that harm-reduction services are scaled up and support is available for prescribers and community organizations providing SOS.

Download the full statement with references

Download the infographic

Resource on using social media to bene­fit your mental health

On February 9, CMHA joins educators, industry professionals and the community worldwide in acknowledging Safer Internet Day, which aims to create both a safer and a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

When it comes to new technologies, one of the biggest concerns with regards to mental health is the excessive use of social media. While social media use can help decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, it can also alter our mood, motivation and concentration. Research shows that constantly checking social media sites can increase feelings of inadequacy and depression, as well as anxiety around the fear of missing out.

To help, CMHA Ontario’s BounceBack program created a resource with strategies to use social media to bene­fit your mental health. Filled with practical tips on how to engage mindfully, this tip sheet aims to help everyone reap the benefits of social media without being impacted by the risks.

For more information, download the resource from the CMHA Ontario website.

CMHA celebrates Black History Month

CMHA Champlain East joins Canadians across the country to honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, for Black History Month in February.

While Black History Month is a time to learn about the many important contributions of African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, it’s important to note that members of these communities face numerous/ongoing challenges. These include racism, sexism, poor access to education, low employment rates, inadequate housing, and poverty, all of which are barriers to accessing mental health and addictions support.

According to the Black Health Alliance website:

• Black Ontarians of Caribbean descent experience 2 times the delay in accessing evidence-based services than individuals of white European descent
• Black Ontarians experience higher rates of restraint and confinement while under the care of the mental health and addictions system
• People of Caribbean, East and West African origin in Ontario are at a 60 per cent increased risk of psychosis

Currently, there is limited research on how stigma affects mental health within the Black community and affects access to services, especially when living with experiences of racism, sexism, and ageism. The lack of race-based data, as well as the absence of culturally appropriate services and resources that specifically target Black communities within Canada, result in many people struggling alone and in silence.

Interested in learning more for #BlackHistoryMonth? Check out these provincial organizations: http://bit.ly/3cm16Ts

Tips to kick the winter blues

As the cold and snow of winter sinks in, Ontarians may find themselves lacking energy as the days grow shorter.

Research in Ontario suggests that 15 per cent of the general population have experienced the winter blues, which can include changes in appetite and lethargy. The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about two per cent of the population and is a serious form of depression.

Here are a few tips to help kick the winter blues:

• Enjoy time spent doing your favourite outdoor activity. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight. Trim tree branches that block light, for example and keep curtains open during the day. Move furniture to sit near a window.

• Try something new. While we’re being advised to continue to participate in physical distancing, it’s important to stay mentally healthy while maintaining a physical distance. Starting a new blog, watching a new television show or listening to a new podcast are just a few of the many ways to stay mentally healthy while physically distancing.

• Take a walk at one of the city’s trails. Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. The activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.

• Make a colourful meal. Healthy eating has been shown to benefit mental as well as physical health. Be sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables in daily eating habits.

• Reach out for help. To anyone struggling with mental health and addiction at this time, please reach out. Help is always available and CMHA is here with our programs and services.

The prevalence of the winter blues highlights the need to make our mental health a priority throughout the year. CMHA Ontario branches have programs and services available to ensure Ontarians get the support they need. Programs like Living Life to the Full are now offering their courses online. Living Life to the Full is a fun and engaging eight-week course that provides people from all walks of life with effective tools to maximize their ability to manage life’s challenges. New courses are starting this month. Visit the CMHA Ontario website today for details: bit.ly/2U0frdO

Important notice regarding CMHA Champlain East

Last updated: December 21, 2020

CMHA Champlain East deemed essential service, providing community supports in a variety of safe ways

Deemed an essential service by the Ontario government amid public health concerns related to COVID-19, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East, remains open and is ensuring community mental health and addictions supports are safely available by providing programs, services and information to our clients virtually and over the phone as this situation methods.

In accordance with physical distancing measures outlined by public health agencies, CMHA Champlain East continuously adapts its service delivery to protect public health and safety, pivoting services and information sharing to virtual or other means so individuals in need of mental health and addictions supports can continue to get the help they need.

To protect clients and staff while continuing to support the community, CMHA Champlain East continues to provide the following services by phone or virtually to our clients until further notice:

o    Intensive Case Management Supports

o    Resource Center Supports

o    All educational presentations/trainings have been suspended.

o    The Resource Center facilities (Strabright, Oasis and Horizon) will remain closed until further notice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact CMHA Champlain East 1-800-493-8271 to find out about virtual and phone-based support services there to help you.

CMHA Champlain East earns ‘exemplary standing’ with Accreditation Canada

(Cornwall, Dec. 14, 2020) – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East Branch is proud to announce it has been accredited with exemplary standing by Accreditation Canada.

CMHA Champlain East attained the highest level of performance, achieving excellence in meeting the requirements of the Qmentum accreditation program. As part of the Qmentum accreditation program, the organization underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Following a comprehensive self-assessment, external peer surveyors conducted an on-site survey during which they assessed this organizations’ leadership, governance, clinical programs and services against national standards of excellence; required safety practices to reduce potential harm; and questionnaires to assess the work environment, patient safety culture, governance functioning and client experience.

“This award is the result of our collective commitment to providing our clients with safe, high-quality care,” said CMHA Champlain East executive director Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas. “I’m very proud of everyone at our branch. Our employees and volunteers work incredibly hard to make sure they provide our community with mental health and addictions services that are safe and effective, and this accreditation is recognition of that.”

Accreditation helps identify what an organization is doing well and where to focus its improvement efforts. CMHA Champlain East was evaluated against national standards, and will use the results to improve the quality and safety of its services.

Accreditation Canada delivers a wide range of high-impact assessment programs for health and social service organizations, powered by HSO Health Standards Organization, and customized to local needs. Accreditation Canada works with more than 900 expert peer surveyors with extensive health care and social services experience and trained in Accreditation Canada’s customized, continuous assessment program. Accreditation through our Qmentum and Qmentum international programs is an ongoing process of assessing health and social services organizations against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and what needs improvement.

Click the following link to view the Executive Summary Accreditation Report

For more information, contact:

Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas

Executive Director

CMHA Champlain East

613-933-5845 ext. 223

Resources

Special webinar series on mental wellness, COVID-19 links, news releases and resources click here: https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/index.php/en/mental-health/coping-with-covid-19

If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of the Coronavirus please contact:

-       Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or;

-       The Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 1-800-267-7120