The Mental Health and Addictions Working Group (MHAWG) is a team of help seekers, family members, caregivers and service providers who are finding new ways to improve help-seeker outcomes and experiences. Simplifying and coordinating equitable access to high quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction services are key strategies in this effort.
Because the NOHT-ÉSON recognizes and values mental health and addiction services as an integral part of holistic health care, the MHAWG is committed to understanding the needs of Niagara residents by analyzing data, reviewing research evidence and consulting with diverse community groups. Recommendations for change will be assessed, prioritized and implemented by the NOHT-ÉSON. Our members are currently developing a three-year plan for managing changes to the mental health and addictions system. This project includes creating a MHA scorecard designed to assess the challenges and successes we experience as we work collaboratively to change the system.
The working group is currently comprised of a vibrant mix of enthusiastic health and social services professionals from various sectors of the health and social care system. A quick snapshot of the membership would show:
- 15 MHA service providers including French-language organizations.
- 10 allied service providers including Emergency Management Services (EMS) and police.
- 2 post-secondary institutions (Niagara College and Brock University)
- 7 people with lived experience (client/patient, family/caregiver)
- 4 community health care centres
- 4 primary care providers
Your input is both welcome and necessary. For further information or to express your interest in contributing your skills or experience to the work of the MHAWG contact Tara McKendrick (tmckendrick@cmhaniagara.ca).
Mental Health and Addictions Working Group Members
Tara McKendrick
Canadian Mental Health Association
Nadine Wallace
Contact Niagara for Children’s and Developmental Services
Jim Borysko
Welland McMaster Family Health Team
Jay Burdon
Niagara College
Albert Calaguiro
Wayside Transitional Home
Thomas Coyne
Youth Wellness Hub
Tammy Dumas
211 INCommunities
Barb Evans
Niagara Health
Scott Faraway
Brain Injury Community Re-Entry
Liz Froese
Bethesda Services
Janice Rutgers
Community Addictions Services of Niagara
Nancy Garner
Quest Community Health Centre
Marco Giannico
Niagara Regional Police Service
Judy Hoover
Consumer/Survivor Initiative of Niagara
Aidan Johnson
Niagara Community Legal Clinic
Lise Corriveau
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
Ken MacKenzie
ARID Recovery Homes
Marty Mako
Niagara Emergency Medical Services
Emily Hearn
De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s
Stacy Terry
Distress Centre
Dan Silver
Family Support Network
John Osczypko
Gateway Residential and Community Support Services
Lisa Panetta
Niagara Region
Dee Tyler
Oak Centre
Maggie Penca
Niagara Region
Carol Nagy
Hospice Niagara
Sarah Pennisi
Brock University
Talia Storm
Positive Living Niagara
Laura Dumas
Start Me Up Niagara
Laura Blundell
Niagara Falls Community Health Centre
Taralea McLean
Bridges Community Health Centre
Frank Ruberto
Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team