Most Canadians experiencing a mental health issue are not getting help
Lumino Health is making it easier for all Canadians to access mental health resources through expanded mental health support
Sun Life survey finds nearly two-thirds (60%) of Canadians are currently experiencing mental health issues.
Over half (54%) of those experiencing mental health issues have not received medical support.
Affordability (25%) and embarrassment (23%) are the two top barriers Canadians say has prevented them from seeking help.
TORONTO, March 4, 2021 /CNW/ - A recent Sun Life survey finds that nearly two-thirds (60%) of Canadians are experiencing mental health issues. Yet, over half (54%) of those Canadians report they have not sought medical support.
"Our nation is dealing with a mental health crisis. Whether it's a loved one, a colleague, or yourself, mental health impacts us all," said Chris Denys, Senior Vice-President, Possibilities, Lumino Health. "We must work together to tackle this emergency. From employers to individuals, we can all play a role in building a more resilient Canada."
How mental health is affecting the nation
Anxiety (40%) tops the list of mental health concerns, followed by stress, depression and addiction. When it comes to the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues, the Sun Life survey finds differences across groups.
Women (62%) and those aged 18 to 34 (74%) are experiencing the greatest impact of mental health issues.
Gen Z, (Canadians aged 18 to 23) are more than twice as likely (16%) as the national average (7%) to say they are experiencing addiction issues.
Barriers to care are a factor in why Canadians are not seeking the support they need. Of those Canadians who haven't sought support but are experiencing a mental health issue, nearly a third (31%) say they feel they don't need medical help. The study found one quarter (25%) say they can't afford it, and nearly one quarter (23%) say they are embarrassed to ask for help.
Lumino Health to expand mental health services Lumino Health, an innovation from Sun Life, is helping all Canadians access the mental health support they need. The digital platform has recorded over 1 million searches for psychologists, with daily searches doubling since the pandemic began.
To meet the increased demand, Lumino Health is expanding its list of mental health professionals. In addition to psychologists, people can soon search for:
Social workers
Clinical counsellors
Psychotherapists
"Throughout the pandemic, Canadians have struggled accessing the care they need. Our expanded platform is one of the ways we are making it easier for all Canadians to navigate and find support," explains Denys. "Lumino Health allows people to search for providers, see patient ratings, and compare costs. This tool is designed to empower Canadians and help reduce stigma around mental health."
The platform has access to over 150,000 providers in Canada, including more than 12,000 offering virtual visits. Lumino Health is also rolling out the ability to search for providers who offer instant booking. This will make it easier for Canadians to connect with the right health care professional for them.
Lumino Health commits to providing Canadians with convenient access to mental health support and resources. Visit Lumino Health for more information.
About the survey The survey is based on findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between January 21 - 25, 2021. A sample of 1,000 Canadians was drawn from the Ipsos I-Say online panel aged 18 and older. The data for Canadians surveyed was weighted to ensure the sample's regional, age, and gender composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within +/- 3.5% at 95% confidence level had all Canadian adults been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to methodological change, coverage error and measurement error.
About Lumino Health Lumino Health network is an innovation from Sun Life, launched in fall 2018. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada created the platform as a commitment to helping Canadians live healthier lives. As Canada's premier network of health resources, LuminoHealth.ca helps Canadians find healthcare providers near them in seconds and access resources and innovations to live healthier lives. In 2019, Lumino Health was awarded the "Reinventor" award by PWC for their innovative and industry-disrupting platform.
About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,247 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars
Media Relations Contact: Carson MacIsaac Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications T. 416-427-5670 carson.macisaac@sunlife.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
Children's Link Expands its Transition-to-Adulthood Services to Southern Alberta!
CALGARY, AB, March 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Mohan Jadeja's son, Karan, was first diagnosed with Autism when he was three. As he approaches his 18th birthday and starts the transition to adulthood, the team at Children's Link continues to provide "life-altering" services to the Jadeja family. "It takes a village to raise a child," says Jadeja. "I'd add it takes a very kind-hearted village to raise a special needs child! That village for us includes Children's Link."
For over 24 years, Children's Link staff have supported over 50,000 families and professionals throughout Calgary. Remarkably, in the middle of a global pandemic, the non-profit organization has extended its Transition-to-Adulthood program to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. This program helps young adults with disabilities and their families prepare for adulthood, and in some cases, becoming more independent. Transition support workers assist with complex government forms and provide resources, so families don't feel isolated during this important transition period.
"The positive impact Children's Link has on our life is immeasurable," says Stephanie Duncan (whose son, Ethan, was diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety and Sensory Processing Disorder) of the much-needed service anticipated to support over 200 families in Southern Alberta communities. "Their team alleviated our stress and anxiety throughout the entire application process."
At Children's Link, all families and disabilities are supported regardless of health issues or financial means. "Children's Link is often a parents' first call after a new diagnosis or when a challenging life event or transition happens," says Eryn Dewald, Executive Director, Children's Link. "We offer a compassionate, judgement-free space to talk about difficult issues and to explore options that are right for a family. The pandemic has opened our eyes to new vulnerabilities. For families caring for children and youth with disabilities, this has become even more apparent. We're here to help."
About Children's Link – is known and valued for offering resources, information, connections and hope to families and professionals in the disabilities community. Their resource database contains over 1,000 community resources, enabling Children's Link to provide families and professionals with a variety of comprehensive service and support options. Through one-to-one conversations, support groups, workshops, and online networking opportunities, Children's Link provides a safe, accepting environment for people to learn, share and connect.
SOURCE Children's Link
Training Center for At-Risk Women Offers Hope for Independence
Seattle, WA, March 4, 2021 — Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of living on the streets or in unsafe environments. Drug dealers, pimps and human traffickers lie in wait for new victims. Seattle spends a staggering $1 billion per year on fragmented programs to support its homeless, according to Puget Sound Business Journal, yet the challenges continue to grow.It’s time for a new approach.
Providence Heights is a forward-thinking, Christian-based nonprofit designed to empower Seattle’s women in need through housing, employment opportunities and personal development programs. The organization’s business model is revolutionary: Providence Heights plans to reinvest revenues generated through real-estate, commercial and entrepreneurial enterprises to create a sustainable source of income, something founder Christine Soule calls Capitalism for the Poor. Additionally, “Our unique retail space integration will secure revenue as well as provide apprenticeship, jobs and entrepreneurial skills,” Soule explains.
Phase I will provide housing and resilient growth programs for over 88 women (and children) at risk of losing their homes, or who simply need opportunities to regroup and equip themselves to not just survive but to thrive. Also for those who have come out of a program such as the Union Gospel Mission and are fully prepared to commit to changing the trajectory of their lives.
Phase II aims to provide housing for more than 200 women, including those with children. Once the revenue stream is firmly established in this phase, Providence Heights will enter Phase III — the final phase — when the organization will replicate this model from city to city. They hope to also empower similar organizations to use its successful blueprint to help those they serve.
Providence Heights Founder and Chief Executive Officer Christine Soule is a lover of people and passionate about leading them toward a restored and dignified life. From her personal experience, she has great compassion for at-risk and abused women. She co-founded The Purpose and is a philanthropist, author and inventor. Her recently released book, Broken and Beautiful, chronicles her remarkable journey from trauma to triumph. Christine is also a mother of five and married to Mitch, the love of her life.
Training Center for At-Risk Women Offers Hope for Independence
Seattle, WA, March 4, 2021 — Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of living on the streets or in unsafe environments. Drug dealers, pimps and human traffickers lie in wait for new victims. Seattle spends a staggering $1 billion per year on fragmented programs to support its homeless, according to Puget Sound Business Journal, yet the challenges continue to grow.It’s time for a new approach.
Providence Heights is a forward-thinking, Christian-based nonprofit designed to empower Seattle’s women in need through housing, employment opportunities and personal development programs. The organization’s business model is revolutionary: Providence Heights plans to reinvest revenues generated through real-estate, commercial and entrepreneurial enterprises to create a sustainable source of income, something founder Christine Soule calls Capitalism for the Poor. Additionally, “Our unique retail space integration will secure revenue as well as provide apprenticeship, jobs and entrepreneurial skills,” Soule explains.
Phase I will provide housing and resilient growth programs for over 88 women (and children) at risk of losing their homes, or who simply need opportunities to regroup and equip themselves to not just survive but to thrive. Also for those who have come out of a program such as the Union Gospel Mission and are fully prepared to commit to changing the trajectory of their lives.
Phase II aims to provide housing for more than 200 women, including those with children. Once the revenue stream is firmly established in this phase, Providence Heights will enter Phase III — the final phase — when the organization will replicate this model from city to city. They hope to also empower similar organizations to use its successful blueprint to help those they serve.
Providence Heights Founder and Chief Executive Officer Christine Soule is a lover of people and passionate about leading them toward a restored and dignified life. From her personal experience, she has great compassion for at-risk and abused women. She co-founded The Purpose and is a philanthropist, author and inventor. Her recently released book, Broken and Beautiful, chronicles her remarkable journey from trauma to triumph. Christine is also a mother of five and married to Mitch, the love of her life.
Glaucoma is a Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness: Don’t Skip Eyecare Checkups
New York, NY, March 4, 2021 — Blindness caused by glaucoma is insidious. In most cases, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision. But Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York, wants you to know there is a way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits.
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components:
1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping
2. Loss of visual field
3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG)
People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Blacks, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes.
The elevated intraocular pressure from glaucoma damages the optic nerve mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.
All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients.
If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth visits or video consultations until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
“A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
Glaucoma is a Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness: Don’t Skip Eyecare Checkups
New York, NY, March 4, 2021 — Blindness caused by glaucoma is insidious. In most cases, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision. But Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York, wants you to know there is a way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits.
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components:
1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping
2. Loss of visual field
3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG)
People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Blacks, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes.
The elevated intraocular pressure from glaucoma damages the optic nerve mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.
All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients.
If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth visits or video consultations until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
“A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital to Deploy Novari ATC System
KINGSTON, ON, March 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Novari Health is pleased to announce Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has joined the growing list of hospitals implementing its surgical wait list management and eBooking technology.
The Novari ATC software is being implemented at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. The technology is being provided as software as a service (SaaS) to the hospital and all surgical offices. The system will provide surgeons and their office staff access to a standardized electronic wait list management system and the ability to electronically coordinate the scheduling of surgeries and procedures with the hospital. The software enhances the ability for collaboration and management of pooled lists of patients waiting for surgery as well as supporting a regional view of the demand for surgical services.
The Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Health and hospitals across the province have been working to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients waiting for surgery. Having a modern wait list management system complements these efforts. The implementation of the award winning Novari ATC system includes integration to OSMH's installation of Cerner and will automate the surgical booking process.
Novari Health's innovative and unique access to care technologies are live or being implemented at dozens of hospitals and regional health authorities across five Canadian provinces.
"COVID-19 has impacted surgical wait times in much of Canada. Having a digital wait list management system was important before the pandemic. Now it's even more important". - John Sinclair, CPHIMS-CA President Novari Health
About Novari Health Novari Health designs, builds, and implements award-winning enterprise scale SaaS solutions that improve access to care, coordination of care, and the delivery of healthcare services. Based in Kingston Ontario and with offices in Vancouver, Australia, and New Zealand, Novari has become one of the largest Canadian based digital health solution providers. ISO 27001 certified, Novari Health is a Microsoft Gold Partner, with software solutions hosted on Microsoft Azure Canadian and Australian cloud data centres. For more information visit www.novarihealth.com.
About Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is located in Orillia, Ontario and serves the residents of North Simcoe Muskoka and beyond. OSMH is focused on ensuring a healthier future for our communities by providing high quality care closer to home. Medical, surgical and critical care, seniors healthcare services, adult mental health, and paediatric and perinatal care are among the Hospital's recognized areas of expertise. It also specializes in orthopaedic surgery and kidney care. For more information visit www.osmh.on.ca.
SOURCE Novari Health Inc.
Influencer Burnout is a Growing Industry Threat - G&B’s Kyle Hjelmeseth Has the Solution
The digital talent management agency partners with renowned psychologist Reena B. Patel to give “self-care” more than just lip service
LOS ANGELES, California – (2021): Social isolation. School closures. Political upheaval. Cultural shifts. Ongoing national tensions. These are only a few of the variables taking a heavy toll on today’s American workforce, leading many business owners to promote a message of “self-care” in an effort to buoy morale. For insightful G&B Digital Management Founder/CEO Kyle Hjelmeseth, this message is more than just lip service - it’s an impetus for action and an opportunity for creative, proactive problem-solving.
Having recently expanded his agency reach by more than 100% during the pandemic downturn - including the addition of an entirely new G&BSports + Entertainment management division - Hjelmeseth knows a thing or two about effective leadership. His famously intuitive management style, unwavering commitment to diversity, and relationship-focused approach consistently command attention within and outside of his industry. Now, he’s making waves again by partnering with Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Reena B. Patel to “put the ‘i’ back in influence,” promoting a culture of self-care with actionable expert guidance.
“Prior to 2020, the mental health of digital talent personalities was rarely discussed in public view,” says Hjelmeseth. “Thankfully, that’s starting to change, so we’re eager to teach our talent and staff effective ways to navigate this new landscape. The long-term health of our industry depends on influencers getting the guidance they need to live and work healthfully - this is just the start of what we hope to accomplish.”
Hjelmeseth points out that achieving “work-life balance” - an increasingly celebrated goal across nearly every other industry - is particularly challenging for influencers, whose “work” and “life” often intertwine. The pressure to create exciting, relevant content is constant, often leading to burnout, imposter syndrome, comparison, and long-term neglect of self-care. Amid COVID-19 restrictions, G&B’s diverse talent roster also found themselves stuck inside (like many Americans), isolated and cut off from inspiration. Many influencers felt torn between their desire to keep showing up or performing for their communities/brand partners and the need to preserve mental/emotional boundaries.
To help turn the tide toward positive change, Hjelmeseth invites renowned psychologist Reena Patel to provide practical tips and insights for moving forward, including:
Staying true to your authentic self
Creating your own mission statement
Setting healthy boundaries
Mental Wellness and Self-Care
Burn out
Bringing back joy into life
To learn more about this new mental health initiative, contact Tracy@TracyKeyser.com for an interview with Founder/CEO Kyle Hjelmeseth. Discover G&B’s outside-the-box approach to talent management and get to know Hjelmeseth at gb-dm.com. Browse FREE courses to grow a steady following, get brand deals, and build a next-level career at G&B’sCollegeofInfluence.com. Discover Hjelmeseth’s Normalize Equality initiative at NormalizeEquality.online. Follow @KyleHjelmeseth and @gnbinfluence on Instagram for influencer spotlights, career tips, and brand updates.
# # #
About G&B Digital Management:
G&B Digital Management is a minority-owned, top-tier firm that specializes in guiding digital content creators in the fashion, lifestyle, travel, food, and hospitality sectors. The company seeks to create a better influence by reinventing the talent management experience with integrity, transparency, and a human touch. One of the leading firms dedicated exclusively to supporting online talent, G&B proudly partners with the most in-demand and unique influencers in the US/ EMEA. With a collaborative, solution-focused approach, the firm has built a reputation for providing unparalleled service to creators and brand/agency partners, working together to achieve enviable results. Placing a high value on education and empowerment, G&B established the College of Influence (CollegeofInfluence.com) for anyone looking to grow their influencer career. Deeply passionate about social justice, bi-racial Founder/ CEO Kyle Hjelmeseth also introduced the Normalize Equality initiative (NormalizeEquality.online) as a how-to guide for influencers, brands, and agencies seeking to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into the influencer marketing industry. Discover G&B’s innovative approach to talent management at gb-dm.com. Follow @gnbinfluence on Instagram for influencer spotlights, career tips, and brand updates.
About Reena B. Patel:
Based in the San Diego area, Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst. For more than 20 years, Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children, supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness. She works extensively with developing children as well as children with exceptional needs, supporting their academic, behavioral and social development. She was recently nominated for San Diego Magazine’s “Woman of the Year.” To learn more about her books and services, visit the website at www.reenabpatel.com, or to book her direct for speaking endeavors go to http://reenabpatel.com/book-now/. To get more parenting tips, follow her on Instagram @reenabpatel.
Held in the Past, Pushed to the Future: A Young Woman’s Journey
Detroit, MI, March 4, 2021— Niran, a Muslim woman coming of age in Detroit after emigrating from Iraq, walks a fine line between ancestral norms and the freedoms of a new generation as the protagonist of award-winning author Weam Namou’s new book, Pomegranate.
Inspired by her idol Enheduanna of ancient Mesopotamia, Niran navigates societal challenges, fights against cultural stereotypes and most of all aims to make her voice heard by all around her.
Enheduanna, the first known poet in world history, was a woman who lived more than 4,300 years ago. The High Priestess was a genuine historical figure, whereas Niran’s story is a mixture of real and imagined stories. They focus on Muslim women who cope with many issues as they transition from old traditions to a modern, western society. Author Namou admits that some of the tales involving the fictional Niran mirror her own.
Moving from war-torn Iraq to the U.S. was not easy for Niran, especially since it meant living as a liberal Muslim immigrant in a neighborhood of well-to-do, conservative Christians during the 2016 presidential election. As a young adult, Niran chafes under the tight rein of her headstrong mother who, enforcing tradition and obedience, stifles her children's individuality.
About the Author
Weam Namou was born in Baghdad to an ancient lineage called the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic). She’s an award-winning author of 14 books, an international award-winning filmmaker, journalist, poet and Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America (Detroit Chapter). She hosts a half-hour weekly TV show and founded The Path of Consciousness, a spiritual and writing community. She created Unique Voices in Films, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, and Namou’s work has been published in many national and international publications. One of her best-known books, The Great American Family, won the Eric Hoffer Award, and she wrote, produced and directed an award-winning documentary based on the same book. Additionally, she has written and directed Pomegranate the movie, which you can learn more about at www.PomegranateMovie.com.
For over a decade, Namou has been giving talks, presentations and workshops at libraries, colleges and universities, and for special groups. She is currently available both nationally and internationally via virtual platforms.
Pomegranate Publisher: Hermiz Publishing, Inc. Release Date: February 14, 2021 ISBN-13: 978-1945371004 Available at Amazon.com
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Canadian Patient Safety Institute and Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement become Healthcare Excellence Canada, expanding pandemic response
Funding and support will benefit those most affected by COVID-19, including people living and working in long-term care and retirement homes
OTTAWA, ON, March 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Believing everyone in Canada deserves excellent healthcare, a new organization – Healthcare Excellence Canada – launched today. As part of its relentless pursuit of this goal, the organization is moving to expand its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"To everyone committed to the pursuit of healthcare excellence, we promise to work with you to deliver widespread and lasting improvements to the quality and safety of healthcare," said Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO, Healthcare Excellence Canada. "The scale of our solutions needs to match the scale of the challenges facing health systems, so Healthcare Excellence Canada and our partners are amplifying the reach of our pandemic response to help more people hard-hit by COVID-19."
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute and Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, now amalgamated as Healthcare Excellence Canada, brought together hundreds of teams and thousands of people from every province and territory to improve quality and patient safety. Healthcare Excellence Canada will continue this journey, striving for excellent healthcare for everyone in Canada.
As an immediate priority, Healthcare Excellence Canada will enhance assistance for those hardest hit by COVID-19, including:
LTC+: Acting on Pandemic Learning Together which supports long-term care and retirement homes to work together and strengthen their pandemic preparedness plans, response and vaccine rollout
Essential Together which helps organizations safely welcome essential care partners – such as family members and other loved ones – back into health and care facilities.
"The safety of residents and staff in long-term care and retirement homes has been a major challenge and concern during the pandemic," said Ronald Guse, Co-chair, Healthcare Excellence Canada. "More than 1,000 homes are currently using the LTC+ program to help identify and resolve their unique needs and common challenges, and Healthcare Excellence Canada is at the ready to collaborate with even more organizations. Today, we're calling on homes across the country to use this valuable program."
"The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in blanket visitor restrictions that prohibit many essential care partners, including family, from accessing loved ones in health and care facilities," said Lynn Stevenson, Co-chair, Healthcare Excellence Canada. "Although the policies were put in place with best intentions, essential care partners are key to improving quality and safety, so we're here to support organizations to safely welcome them during the pandemic."
About LTC+: Acting on Pandemic Learning Together LTC and retirement homes have access to a menu of virtual offerings to support their COVID-19 response and collectively tackle pandemic-related challenges. This can potentially include up to $10,000 in funding, expert coaching, peer-to-peer learning and educational webinars. New resources developed in direct response to needs identified through the program include:
COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness Resources which consolidate existing resources from across the country to help long-term care and retirement homes plan and rollout vaccines to residents, staff and essential care partners.
Safely Re-entering Long-Term Care Homes During COVID-19 which was developed with and for essential care partners with loved ones in long-term care homes.
LTC+ is being delivered in partnership with the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council, New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety, CADTH and with funding from Health Canada and the CMA Foundation.
Call to Action: LTC and retirement homes in Canada can join the LTC+ program, and receive funding support, by visiting the HEC website. The program has also recently been expanded to residential substance use facilities and shelters caring for people experiencing homelessness.
About Essential Together Essential Together is supporting organizations to safely welcome back essential care partners into health and care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is grounded in evidence that the presence of essential care partners benefits patient care, experience, safety and outcomes, as well as organizations and essential care partners experience during the pandemic.
Call to Action: Health and care organizations interested in revisiting family presence policies can register to join the Essential Together community and access additional resources, including coaching and peer support by visiting the HEC website.
About Healthcare Excellence Canada Healthcare Excellence Canada is an organization with a relentless focus on improving healthcare, with – and for – everyone in Canada. Launched in March 2021 from the amalgamation of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Healthcare Excellence Canada has greater capacity to support partners to turn proven innovations into widespread and lasting improvement in patient safety and all the dimensions of healthcare excellence. We believe in the power of people and evidence and know that by connecting them, we can achieve the best healthcare in the world. HEC is an independent, not-for-profit charity funded primarily by Health Canada. www.healthcareexcellence.ca/
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
SOURCE Healthcare Excellence Canada
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