Collaborative Effort Boosts Support for Those Living with Addiction in Huron County
October 08, 2024
South
Huron Hospital and the County of Huron are pleased to announce a new
partnership. In collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Huron Perth, they have dedicated their time to enhancing community care through
a pilot initiative that began in June 2024. This initiative supports individuals
facing addiction challenges and has already demonstrated significant positive
impacts on community health and well-being by expanding access to primary care.
"This
partnership marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to
provide comprehensive and accessible care to our community," said Jimmy
Trieu, President & CEO at Huron Health System. "The early successes of
this initiative emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing complex
health challenges and improving the well-being of Huron County residents.”
CMHA Huron
Perth offers individual counselling and case management services weekly at the
South Huron Medical Centre, which is now being supported by Huron County
Community Paramedicine. The Paramedicine Team will utilize South Huron
Hospital’s facilities to conduct critical tests, alleviating the need for
additional patient visits. By attending the clinic one day per month, they will
perform services like blood draws and vital checks, providing the nurse
practitioner with a detailed overview of the client’s health status for optimal
care planning. This additional service is crucial as many clients encounter
challenges such as the absence of a primary care physician, transportation
difficulties, or the inability to attend multiple appointments.
“Addiction
is a complex issue that deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities,”
said Geoffrey Wheatley, Nurse Practitioner, Community Withdrawal Services, Canadian
Mental Health Association Huron Perth, Addiction and Mental Health Services.
“Having this program available to support individuals with addiction needs can
transform their journey to recovery.”
Partnerships
such as this one optimize resource sharing, reduce service duplication, and
ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time. Together, they streamline
services, adding value to an already essential program.
“We all
have something unique to offer and each organization plays a vital role in this
partnership,” added Jeff Horseman, Director, Emergency Services, Chief, Paramedic
Services for Huron County. “Our collective commitment to overcoming addiction
reflects our broader goal of building a healthier, more resilient community.”
For more
information, contact Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth:
1-888-261-9350.
From left to right, names are:
Catherine Kutzner, CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services
Christian Atkinson, Huron County Paramedic Services
Nicole MacMillan, CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services