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Celebrating Our Champions of Change: Honouring the NOHT-ÉSON’s Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver Advisors during National Volunteer Week

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National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3, 2025) is a time to recognize and celebrate the millions of Canadians who selflessly give their time, talents, and voices to support their communities. Among these 24 million volunteers is a remarkable group of individuals whose impact is being felt every day across the Niagara region: the Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver (PCFC) Advisors of the NOHT-ÉSON.

Members of the PCFC Advisory Council

Jori Warren – PCFC Advisory Council Co-Lead
Ruth Stranges – PCFC Advisory Council Co-Lead
Patricia MacLaren
Tyler English
Livia Martin
Elizabeth Spaan
Jim Prescott
Dominic Ventresca
Andrea Hernandez Bueno
Ijeoma Michael

These dedicated advisors bring more than just their time—they bring invaluable lived experience, insight, and passion to every conversation, decision, and action that helps shape the future of our health and social services system. Their voices are heard not only at the NOHT-ÉSON’s Planning Table but also throughout its working groups, where their real-world perspectives inform strategic planning and drive better, more equitable outcomes for all Niagara residents.

Comprised of individuals from all walks of life, our PCFC Advisors reflect the rich diversity of the people we serve. Whether drawing from personal journeys through the health care system, professional expertise, or frontline caregiving experience, they are champions of change who hold us accountable to the people and communities at the heart of our mission.

Through the establishment of the PCFC Advisory Council, the NOHT-ÉSON has created a vital platform for ensuring that decisions are informed by the voices of those most impacted. This Advisory Council has become a powerful advocate for person- and family-centred care, shaping the strategic direction of our organization and reinforcing the principle that the best health systems are those built in collaboration with those who use them.

Our PCFC Advisory Council also works tirelessly to remove barriers to participation. Their goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, background, or ability—feels empowered to contribute to a better, more inclusive health and social services system. This level of commitment makes a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families across Niagara.

From the leadership of the NOHT-ÉSON

“The Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver Advisors are the beating heart of our work. They bring wisdom, compassion, and courage to every table they join. Their lived experiences and insights remind us why we do what we do—and how we can do it better,” says Tara Galitz, Executive Director of the NOHT-ÉSON. “This National Volunteer Week, we recognize their unwavering dedication to improving care in Niagara. We are honoured to work alongside them.”

Frank Ruberto and Nadine Wallace, Co-Leads of the NOHT-ÉSON’s Planning Table, add: “Our PCFC Advisors are not just participants—they are leaders, advocates, and change-makers. Their presence at the Planning Table ensures our strategies are grounded in lived realities. Their courage to speak, question, and share is instrumental in building a truly responsive and inclusive system of care.”

During this upcoming National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to every member of the PCFC Advisory Council. Your leadership, resilience, and generosity inspire us. Thank you for the extraordinary difference you make—not only within the NOHT-ÉSON, but across the entire Niagara region.

Your voices are shaping a better tomorrow, and we couldn’t do it without you.

NOHT-ÉSON Welcomes Tara Galitz as New Executive Director

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St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Galitz as its new Executive Director, effective April 14, 2025. Tara succeeds Sabrina Piluso, who has led the NOHT-ÉSON through a foundational period of collaboration and innovation.

With over a decade of experience in the community health sector, Tara brings with her a deep passion for health equity, system integration, and strategic transformation. Her professional journey includes impactful leadership roles such as Lead for Policy and Stakeholder Relations with the Alliance for Healthier Communities, Director of Primary Care at the Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara, and most recently, Senior Director of Clinical Health Services at Lamp Community Health Centre in Etobicoke.

Tara is no stranger to Niagara. During her time with the Centre de Santé, she was actively involved in early conversations around the formation of the NOHT-ÉSON and participated in shaping the submission that led to its approval. “In a way, it feels like I’m coming back home,” Galitz shared. “I was able to gain so much connection and understanding of the reality on the ground that led to the development of what is now the NOHT-ÉSON.”

Her return to the region is driven by her strong belief in planning, interconnectedness and the need to remove the barriers to care in the health and social systems. “I’m very passionate and dedicated to the whole concept of planning and interconnectedness—being able to look at the health and social services system as a whole,” she said. “I strongly believe there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. We must apply a health equity lens intentionally, not just as an afterthought.”

Tara is eager to demonstrate that Niagara has an efficient, integrated, and responsive health and social care system. “With the creation of the NOHT-ÉSON, there is both an opportunity and expectation—from the community, the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health—to prove that this is an organized ecosystem that functions in a coordinated, high-performing way,” she explained.

Frank Ruberto, Co-Lead of the NOHT-ÉSON Planning Table, extended a warm welcome to Galitz on behalf of the network’s leadership. “Tara brings a wealth of experience in community health and system integration, along with a deep commitment to equity and collaboration—values that are at the heart of our shared vision for Niagara,” said Ruberto. “We are excited to have her leadership as we continue building a more connected and responsive health system.”

Ruberto also expressed great appreciation for Meredith Maxwell, the NOHT-ÉSON’s Project Manager for Population Health, who stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director during the transition. “We are incredibly grateful to Meredith for her steady and thoughtful leadership over the past few months. Her dedication has been key to maintaining momentum and ensuring a smooth handover, helping to set the stage for continued success.”

Empowering Niagara Patients and Caregivers in Navigating Life-Changing Diagnoses

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Niagara Falls, ON – Patients and families facing serious illnesses often feel unprepared and overwhelmed. To empower individuals with tools and strategies to navigate life-changing diagnoses, Niagara residents are encouraged to attend Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control on the evening of Thursday, April 10 at the Club Italia Banquet Centre in Niagara Falls.

Designed for patients, caregivers, and the public, this event will feature Dr. Sammy Winemaker, a palliative care physician, and Dr. Hsien Seow, a leading health systems researcher. Drawing from decades of experience, the speakers will share their insights to improve people’s experiences with the health care system, live well despite uncertainty, and feel hopeful and prepared every step of the way.

“We will all be caregivers at some point. This presentation will teach you skills to interact with the health care system so you can be more prepared for the journey ahead,” said Dr. Seow. “These 7 keys are simple, actionable and can be used by anyone. They are a game changer for patients and families.”

Ontario Health (OH) West Region is sponsoring fully funded palliative care education for patients and family caregivers who reside within the West Region of OH. This strategy aims to increase public awareness and provide education around palliative care services. Funding is provided for all registration fees for attendance.

Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control is being hosted by the NOHT-ÉSON’s Palliative Care Working Group, Hospice Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care, and The Waiting Room Revolution.

Dr. Winemaker and Dr. Seow’s upcoming keynote presentation comes at a critical time for caregivers in Ontario. According to the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s December 2024 Spotlight Report, caregivers in Ontario are facing increasing challenges, with 67% of caregivers indicating that they have reached a breaking point but have no choice other than to continue to keep going. There are an estimated 4 million caregivers in Ontario.

Other findings contained in the report include:

  • 34% of caregivers provide more than 10 hours of care per week
  • 73% report their caregiving responsibilities have increased over the past 2 years
  • Caregivers are spending an average of $641 per month on caregiving
  • 25% have taken out a loan or are using a line of credit
  • 43% have considered quitting their job to provide care
  • 72% feel so burnt out they are not sure how they will continue

Rather than feeling powerless, event attendees will leave with actionable insights to improve their experience with the health care system, live well despite uncertainty, and feel hopeful and prepared every step of the way. They will also receive a copy of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis.

EVENT DETAILS

Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Location: Club Italia Banquet Centre (2525 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls)
Time:

  • 4:00 PM – Doors open
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Keynote presentation by Drs. Sammy Winemaker and Hsien Seow
  • 7:00 – 7:30 PM – Book signing

Register here by March 27 to secure your spot.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Hsien Seow, PhD: A Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation, Dr. Seow is a professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University and a leader in health care research, focusing on improving the patient and family experience.

Dr. Samantha Winemaker, MD: A renowned palliative care physician and clinical professor at McMaster University, Dr. Winemaker has received numerous awards for her work in advancing palliative care education for health professionals.

Together, Drs. Seow and Winemaker host The Waiting Room Revolution podcast, where they share stories from patients, health care providers, researchers, and caregivers to better prepare anyone facing a progressive, life-limiting diagnosis.

Connected Care Newsletter – Winter 2025

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Stay current with Connected Care, the Niagara Ontario Health Team’s quarterly newsletter.

In this edition:

    • Building a healthier Niagara, a vision for the future
    • Niagara residents access more timely cognitive assessments
    • Stay healthy this season: tips to protect yourself and others
    • Access virtual urgent care for non-life threatening medical needs
    • How Jim empowered his health journey using ConnectMyHealth

Click here to download your copy.

Request for Proposals: System Planning Report

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The Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is embarking on an exciting initiative to create a comprehensive System Planning Report. This project will analyze population health trends, service utilization, and resource capacity in the Niagara region to guide health system planning over the next five to 10 years.

The report will focus on key areas like demographic changes, health inequities, service gaps, and emerging health issues. It will also explore workforce, infrastructure, and financial resource capacity, ensuring a robust understanding of the region’s needs.

This report represents a collaborative effort by the NOHT-ÉSON’s diverse members, which include health and social care providers, Indigenous and Francophone organizations, and patient/client/family/caregiver representatives, all working together to build a more inclusive, efficient system.

Proposals for this project are being accepted until February 24, 2025, with the final report set to be completed by September 2025. This initiative underscores the NOHT-ÉSON’s commitment to improving access to care, advancing institutional knowledge, and addressing the evolving needs of Niagara residents.

For more information,  download the RFP document here.

Call to Action

If your organization specializes in data analysis and health system planning, we encourage you to submit a proposal and contribute to shaping the future of Niagara’s health care system!

Request for Proposals: NOHT-ÉSON Engagement – Focus Groups, Analysis, and Reporting

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Are you passionate about community engagement and improving health system design? The NOHT-ÉSON is welcoming proposals for a comprehensive engagement project to inform health system planning and design for equity-deserving populations, including individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Key Details:

  • Maximum Budget: $25,000 + HST
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, January 6, 2025
  • Submission: Proposals must be emailed to pm@noht-eson.ca

Scope of Work:

The successful applicant will design and facilitate focus groups, interviews, and surveys to gather insights, followed by in-depth data analysis and reporting. This project aligns with the NOHT-ÉSON’s Strategic Plan and supports the efforts of the Dementia Care Working Group and Health Equity Working Group.

Key Deliverables Include:

  • Focus groups with individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and equity-deserving populations.
  • Detailed data analysis to uncover trends and actionable insights.
  • Comprehensive reports with visual representations and an executive summary.
  • Presentations of findings to key NOHT-ÉSON groups.

Timeline Overview:

  • January 2025: Engagement planning
  • February-March 2025: Focus group facilitation
  • March-April 2025: Data analysis
  • April 2025: Report writing
  • May 2025: Presentation of findings

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of health care in Niagara.

For more details, access the full Request for Proposals document here: RFP Document

Let’s work together to build a more inclusive, accessible, and responsive health care system for our community!

It takes a region to keep Niagara healthy

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The following opinion article co-written by NOHT-ÉSON Executive Director Sabrina Piluso and Niagara Health President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Guerriero appeared in the December 2 print and online editions of the Niagara Falls Review, St. Catharines Standard, and Welland Tribune:

It takes a region to keep Niagara healthy

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire region working together to keep Niagara residents healthy and supported at every stage of life. From family doctors and pharmacists to home care providers, hospitals, social services and long-term care facilities, every part of the system has a role in ensuring healthcare works effectively.

Niagara’s healthcare challenges are significant. Our population is not only aging but also growing and becoming more diverse, which brings new complexities to the care we provide. Rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, are higher than the provincial average. At the same time, we face a shortage of family doctors, specialists and home care services. These pressures are compounded by healthcare workforce challenges, with many professionals experiencing burnout, leaving healthcare altogether, or unable to participate to their full capacity due to increasing family and social demands.

No single organization can tackle these challenges alone. The most meaningful progress happens when every part of the system works together to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Imagine an older adult in Niagara living with diabetes. They begin noticing small changes in their health but face barriers accessing a family doctor. Instead of heading straight to the Emergency Department (ED), they turn to other options. Perhaps they speak with their pharmacist, who provides expert advice, helps them understand their medications, and points them to one of the many Diabetes Education Programs in Niagara. Or they connect with an Ontario Health @Home care coordinator, receiving support where they’re most comfortable — at home. These are just two examples of how our healthcare system can collaborate to guide people to the right care at the right time.

Niagara Health is working hard to make collaboration a reality. Programs like SCOPE Niagara connect family doctors with hospital specialists in real-time, helping to manage complex cases and prevent unnecessary hospital visits. The Geriatric Assessment Program conducts a comprehensive physical and cognitive assessment that helps older adults maintain their health and independence, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Social workers in EDs connect patients with community services before hospital admission becomes the default, while ED techs — trained paramedics — help limit ambulance off-load delays, ensuring timely care and freeing up emergency responders.

We know hospitals can’t do it all. Consider alternate level of care (ALC) patients — individuals who no longer require hospital care but remain admitted due to a shortage of community supports. This creates a ripple effect: EDs back up, ambulance off-load delays increase, and patients needing acute care wait longer. Solving this requires collaboration across the entire system, from home care to long-term care and community services.

NOHT-ÉSON Unveils Strategic Plan to Enhance Care for Niagara Residents

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St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario (NOHT-ÉSON) proudly announces the launch of its comprehensive 2024-2027 strategic plan. Developed through an extensive and collaborative process that amplifies the diverse voices within the community, the plan is a testament to the commitment of the network and its partners to ensuring that every resident of Niagara has access to high-quality health and social care services.

A broad spectrum of community groups were engaged during the development process, including health and social care partners and individuals with lived experiences. Their invaluable insights have shaped the NOHT-ÉSON’s priorities for the next three years, allowing the organization to create a roadmap that reflects the needs of Niagara’s residents.

Central to our planning process was the involvement of patient/client and family/caregiver advisors, whose contributions have been instrumental in prioritizing the needs of those directly impacted by the health and social care system. This collaborative effort helped identify our strengths, challenges, and opportunities, resulting in a strategy grounded in evidence and community-driven insights.

“Our strategic plan sets a clear direction for enhancing care in Niagara,” said Sabrina Piluso, Executive Director of the NOHT-ÉSON. “We are committed to fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability among our partners and to addressing disparities in access to high-quality care.”

The strategic plan is structured around six key pillars:

  • Indigenous Health: Ensure that health and social care services reflect Indigenous values and prioritize Indigenous voices in decision-making, and integrate Indigenous perspectives in all levels of planning.
  • System Integration: Build an integrated system that provides seamless access to care, services, and supports, improving transitions and service navigation for patients.
  • Safety and Inclusivity: Ensure that our health and social care system embraces and respects everyone in our community, providing safe and inclusive care regardless of race, ethnicity, or other factors.
  • Primary Care: Ensure timely and equitable access to primary health care services for all Niagara residents, fostering partnerships with family doctors and primary care teams.
  • Workforce: Develop a strong, healthy, and diverse workforce to meet community needs, focusing on recruitment, retention, and provider satisfaction.
  • Trust and Accountability: Foster a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability among partners through improved communication and performance monitoring.

The work of the NOHT-ÉSON and its partners is underway with key initiatives already in progress:

  • The NOHT-ÉSON is working diligently to ensure that every resident has timely access to primary care teams, establishing a strong foundation for ongoing health support.
  • Let’s Go Home (LEGHO) is helping seniors transition from the emergency department to their homes by offering essential community supports such as meal services, transportation, homemaking, and respite.
  • To better understand the needs and experiences of our health care workforce, the NOHT-ÉSON and its Health Human Resources Working Group has been conducting surveys to inform recruitment and retention strategies.

As the NOHT-ÉSON and its partners move forward, we will continue to provide updates on our progress toward achieving our goals and objectives through a webpage dedicated to the strategic plan. Together, we can build a healthier future for everyone in Niagara.

Land Acknowledgment

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty territory.

Today, this land continues to be the home of many Indigenous Peoples. Acknowledging ensures we reflect on our past and what changes can be made going forward to further the reconciliation process, and it reminds us that the great standard of living that we enjoy in Niagara is directly related to the resources and friendships of the Indigenous Peoples who make up this community.

Wampum Belt

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