Engagement Opportunity: Emergency department as the first point of contact for mental health and addiction-related care
As part of our commitment to meaningful partnerships with our various communities, we are seeking engagement from community partners to participate in the project below. Community partners can be patients, clients, family members, caregivers, people with lived experience, and other citizens who interact with health and social services. Please note that this opportunity is voluntary.
Project description: Emergency department (ED) as the first point of contact for mental health and addiction-related care
The project aims to understand the current gaps in accessing community services and to develop a system solution to address the ED being the first point of contact for MHA-related care. Our preliminary data shows a high percentage of 18 to 25-year-olds who have visited the ED or an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) as the first point of contact for MHA-related care in the last year or two. This pilot project focuses on the Fort Erie area to understand possible gaps in the system. You may be asked to sit on a project team, attend bi-weekly meetings, participate in a focus group, or share your journey navigating the health system to help develop system solutions.
Who and what are we looking for:
- Patients/clients and family members/caregivers 18 to 25 years of age
- Fort Erie residents who have accessed the ED/UCC as a first point of contact for MHA-related care in 2022-2023
- People willing to share their lived experience and journey accessing services in Fort Erie
- Desire to help improve health and social services
- Respect for others and their perspectives
- Non-judgmental and positive attitudes
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Roles and responsibilities may include:
- Participate as an active member of the project, focus group, surveys, or interviews
- Attend meetings as required
- Share your lived experiences and your point of view
- Advocate for patient, family, and caregiver needs from a broad perspective
- Participate in the development of new processes, programs, and services
- Objectively listen to and appreciate the views of others
- Contribute ideas and suggestions that will enhance community involvement in health system planning and decision-making
- Promote improved collaboration and relationships between community members and staff
- Commit to participating in the project for a specific timeframe (minimum 1 hour and up to 4 months)
Our commitment. We will:
- Explain internal processes and terminology as needed for clarification and understanding
- Help orient you to virtual meeting software as needed
- Provide a safe space for you to contribute and be respected for your insights and suggestions
- Work with you to address any questions or concerns related to your involvement
- Provide initial orientation and training, as well as ongoing training (where required), to ensure you are well-equipped and comfortable to participate actively
Application process
If you are interested in this engagement opportunity, please email the NOHT-ÉSON’s Engagement Specialist, Josie Faccini, at engagement@noht-eson.ca or call 905-933-4149 by June 30, 2023.
To reflect the cultural and social diversity of the people who access health care and social services in Fort Erie, we encourage patients/clients and families/caregivers 18 to 25 years of age and all backgrounds to consider this engagement opportunity.
The NOHT-ÉSON is committed to providing accessible and barrier-free engagement opportunities. Please forward accommodation requests, questions, or concerns to engagement@noht-eson.ca.
