Mental health services relocates, Ladies Foursome, Ontario leaders debate

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Today – Sunny. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud near noon. High 21 except 15 along the lakeshore. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight – Clear. Low 8

CKHA cuts ribbon outpatient mental health services relocation

Dr. Rafiq,Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director Mental Health Services, CKHA; Alan Stevenson, CEO, CMHA LK; Mariusz, Patient Advisor, CKHA; and Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, cut ribbon for CKHA’s relocated Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions Programs **(Submitted photo)**

On Monday, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), along with the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent (CMHA LK), celebrated Mental Health Week with the official opening of CKHA’s Outpatient Mental Health and Additions Services at 240 Grand Avenue West, CMHA LK’s current location.

CKHA’s Outpatient Mental Health and Addiction Programs moved to the new location in mid-March with the aim to provide more streamlined and convenient access to mental health care in Chatham-Kent. CKHA and CMHA LK leadership, staff, physicians and patients gathered to recognise the significance of the move with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Mental Health Week provides an excellent opportunity to discuss mental health in our community and to celebrate the remarkable work of our interdisciplinary mental health care teams,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, in a media release.

“Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent is a valuable partner of CKHA and our co-location at 240 Grand Avenue West provides our community with more convenient access to mental health care in Chatham-Kent. Co-location also provides the opportunity for our teams to learn from one another which will benefit patients and families.

The relocation saw all outpatient mental health and addiction services previously located at CKHA’s Chatham site moved to 240 Grand Avenue West, the same building as CMHA LK’s Chatham location.

“We are delighted to kick off Mental Health Week here in Chatham-Kent by bringing together programs and services operated by CKHA and CMHA under one roof. By working together, we are making services more accessible and responsive for people who need support in Chatham-Kent,” says Alan Stevenson, CEO, CMHA LK.

Programs available through CKHA’s mental health services include: Mental Health Counseling and Treatment; Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic; Early Psychosis Intervention Program – Today Not Tomorrow (TNT); Psychogeriatric Mental Health Outreach Team (PMHOT); Addictions Assessment; Treatment and Referral Program; Concurrent Disorders Program; Problem Gambling; and Eating Disorders. CKHA continues to provide mental health emergency services and inpatient care for those who require hospital-based services.

“Our mental health is as important as our physical health. Partnerships and collaborations such as this are important to providing a seamless continuum of care to our patients,” says Dr. Rizwan Rafiq, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director Mental Health Services, CKHA.

“There is no health without mental health and the streamlined processes made possible with the shared location have allowed us to serve patients more effectively.”

Mental Health Week, taking place from May 7 to 13 this year, is a Canada-wide initiative spearheaded by CMHA. This year’s Mental Health Week campaign aims to raise awareness and to end the discrimination, stigma and shame surrounding mental illness. CMHA hopes to educate Canadians about what mental health really is and to encourage Canadians to #GetLoud. For more information on Mental Health Week or tips on how to keep your mental health strong, please visit, www.mentalhealthweek.ca.

“I know firsthand that it takes a team to help someone with mental health problems. My life, and the lives of so many people, is better because of the nurses, doctors, support staff and volunteers who help us on our path of healing,” says Mariusz, Patient Advisor, CKHA.

“I deeply appreciate all of their efforts to help patients get better and I am thankful that having CKHA and CMHA in the same building has made it easier for patients and their families to get the help they need.”

For more information on Mental Health and Addiction services available through the CKHA please visit, www.ckha.on.ca.

In the event of a mental health emergency, individuals are encouraged to call 1-866-299-7447 to speak to a Mental Health First Response Team Member, visit the nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 for emergency assistance.

‘The Ladies Foursome’ this week in Wallaceburg

Wallaceburg Museum in association with Act II Productions presents “The Ladies Foursome” a comedy play by Norm Foster, directed by Dan White at the Jeanne Gordon Hall, on Thursday May 10 at 7:30 p.m., May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20.

Call 519-627-8962 for tickets.