October 29, 2021
CAMROSE – A new community model for mental health services is providing local and area residents improved and more integrated support for their psychiatric and social needs.
Launched last March, the Camrose Mental Health Hub provides mental health support for adults on a case-by-case basis. The hub is comprised of representatives from Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Alberta Ministry of Children’s Services, Camrose Police Service, Camrose RCMP, Covenant Health’s St. Mary’s Hospital, the Camrose Primary Care Network, and the Camrose Family Resource Centre Association. These representatives meet weekly to find solutions to priority cases affecting individuals and their loved ones.
To date, more than 30 individuals have had their cases reviewed by the Camrose Mental Health Hub, with a mix of appropriate supports provided by its member agencies.
“I’m very proud that local agencies have come together to better serve individuals in the Camrose area who are facing mental health and complex life challenges,” says Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“When these groups come together to think outside the box, they can land on innovative solutions that translate to real improvements to quality of life for individuals and families.”
With the active participation of the client, the multi-disciplinary group considers the many factors of any complex issue, including a client’s living conditions and family dynamics, social supports, financial situation, and psychiatric needs to come up with effective solutions.
“Often, the same clients come into contact with a handful of agencies or service providers but, in the past, we haven’t always had the opportunity to communicate with one another and understand the scope of the problem,” says Maribela Arruda Block, Director of Addiction & Mental Health in AHS Central Zone.
“For example, maybe an individual needs family support as their relationship transitions, or transportation has become a barrier to solving a legal issue. When all the agencies come together at the same table, we can collaborate in ways that look at the whole person and provide the best care for those struggling with the complexities of mental illness.”
Local resident Rachelle Sveahun says her adult daughter had been struggling with mental health issues, and received support and encouragement through the Camrose Mental Health Hub.
“It was a relief that all the necessary services were involved and they all knew the background information, so we didn’t need to tell her story over again each time,” says Sveahun. “The hub is a valuable service for Camrose. Those involved are caring, patient and understanding of the struggles and needs of the clients. They truly are making a difference.”
The hub is joined on an as-needed basis by other community groups, including Alberta Works, Justice Services, Canadian Mental Health Association, Association of Communities Against Abuse, Camrose Women’s Shelter, Camrose Centre for Assisted Living, The Open Door, Camrose Family Resource Centre and Camrose and District Support Services.
The Wellness Integration Network in Edmonton and the High-Risk Youth Coalition in Red Deer are established and successful models of care upon which the Camrose Mental Health Hub is modelled.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
