The W. Garfield Weston Foundation makes one-of-a-kind, $16.7-million philanthropic grant to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders
TORONTO, March 2, 2020 /CNW/ - The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, through its Weston Brain Institute, has made a landmark $16.7-million philanthropic grant to establish the Weston Family Focused Ultrasound Initiative at Sunnybrook.
This initiative is set to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer and ALS.
With this grant, the Foundation is spearheading a $33-million initiative to develop and bring novel focused ultrasound technology to Canadians. The Weston Family Initiative will accelerate development of a powerful new focused ultrasound device to enable the personalized treatment of brain disorders as never before. This initiative will culminate in the launch of three world-first clinical trials and bring this breakthrough technology to more patients faster.
In what is believed to be the largest single philanthropic contribution to focused ultrasound in the world, this one-of-a-kind grant will also ensure a steady stream of resources for ongoing development of this game-changing technology and other related endeavors. That means if the device is commercialized, a portion of the income generated will be reinvested in Canadian focused ultrasound research and innovation.
The creative structure of this grant serves as a new template for philanthropic grant-making in Canada, one that may be scaled and modeled by other Canadian charitable foundations for the purposes of fueling discovery and potential reinvestment in homegrown innovation.
"We are delighted to make this contribution to improve the treatment of brain diseases," says Galen G. Weston, president of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. "This initiative is a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of this breakthrough technology while encouraging leadership and innovation in the Canadian medical technology sector. The prospect of readying this device to benefit so many people in Canada and around the world is very exciting."
"We are deeply grateful to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for their early support for Sunnybrook's pioneering work in focused ultrasound, and for taking this exciting next step," says Dr. Andy Smith, Sunnybrook's president & CEO. "On behalf of Sunnybrook, and so many Canadians who stand to benefit from better treatment for brain disorders, thank you for sharing our vision for a more hopeful future."
About the technology A team led by Sunnybrook's Dr. Kullervo Hynynen, physicist and vice president of research & innovation, is completing a prototype of a powerful new focused ultrasound device. This breakthrough technology is nothing short of revolutionary. From one-size-fits-all to made-to-measure, the new device offers an unprecedented level of precision.
This extraordinary device is being designed specifically to harness focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, the brain's tightly packed network of vessels that both protects it from toxins and prevents potentially helpful agents from entering − such as chemotherapy, antibodies, stem cells or gene therapy.
"The new device is based on a model of personalization and portability," explains Dr. Hynynen. "Each device will be custom-produced based on scans of individual patients. It's also frameless, making it more economical for clinical use since it does not require the real-time use of MRI. Finally, it is more comfortable for the patient. Not only is it completely non-invasive, but it can treat multiple locations in the brain at one time, making the procedure shorter."
About the Initiative With funds from the Weston Family Initiative, Sunnybrook's experts can conduct research and device development on an accelerated timeline and achieve key outcomes in considerably less time than would otherwise be possible.
The primary goal of this initiative is to complete a prototype of the new device and demonstrate its efficacy in Canadians with various brain diseases. The Initiative's ultimate ambition is to advance focused ultrasound technology so that treatments can be delivered quickly and without the need for MRI guidance, and to bring it to Canadian patients faster through clinical trials.
As part of the initiative, Sunnybrook's clinical team, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Nir Lipsman, will test the device across three brain disorders: Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer that has spread to the brain, and glioblastoma (the deadliest and most common brain tumour).
"This technology holds tremendous promise for patients with difficult-to-treat brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer and ALS, where the blood-brain barrier is a major obstacle," says Dr. Lipsman. "These are some of the most complex disorders that have no effective treatments, so we're excited to move closer to testing the device in clinical trials. The impact of this technology on patient care will be felt across Canada and around the world."
Sunnybrook Foundation will look to the generosity of the community to raise the remaining funds required to complete this bold new vision for the treatment of brain disorders.
About The W. Garfield Weston Foundation For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has pursued its mission to enhance and enrich the lives of Canadians. With a focus on health and landscapes, the Foundation aims to catalyze inquiry and innovation to bring about long-term change. Now in its sixth decade, the Foundation continues to collaborate with a broad range of Canadian charities to further world-class research, explore new ideas, and create tangible benefits for the communities in which it works.
About Sunnybrook Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.3 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The Hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada's war veterans.
Global poll shows people think fewer die from diseases but more die from other causes
On average, people underestimate deaths from heart disease by almost three times
Poll, February 25, 2020 — Benjamin Franklin once famously wrote “in this world nothing can be said to be certain – except death and taxes.” And while death is still certain, there seems to be a lot of confusion about how we die, according to latest Ipsos survey.
In a poll of 16,000 people across 32 countries, people on average tend to underestimate how many deaths are caused by diseases like heart disease, cancer and neurological disorders in their country, while they vastly overestimate how many people die from other causes like car crashes, violence, suicide, substance abuse and terrorism.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide with almost one-third (32%) of people dying from this every year, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). But the average guess on deaths in all the countries surveyed was just 11%.
Cancer is the second biggest cause of death globally with a quarter of people (24%) dying from this each year – respondents thought the number of deaths is 15%.
About 9% of deaths occur from neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or dementia, but people guessed it was about half that at 5%.
On the other end, people think 10% of deaths every year are from transport injuries, when the figure is just 2%. People thought 8% of deaths are from violence and substance abuse like drugs and alcohol, but the actual number is just 1% a year globally.
Experts say a combination of how the media reports on death, the dramatization of vivid scenes of death available to us, and the recency of such information – which may make it more salient or important – are influences affecting the way we think about dying.
Namika Sagara, President of Ipsos Behavioral Science Center in New York, said deaths from car crashes, gun violence and terrorism are usually very dramatic, and therefore people are likely to remember them more.
“These likely to come to mind more easily, and leads people to think it happens more often,” said Sagara. “This is related to availability bias.”
Sheldon Solomon, Professor of Psychology at Skidmore College in the U.S., backed this by adding that we tend to overestimate the frequency of events that are salient to us.
“We are more likely to die falling in our bathrooms than by being murdered by terrorists or in an airplane crash, but people probably never see news about someone falling in their bathrooms and dying,” said Prof. Solomon.
“Moreover, crashes, terrorism and violence are more immediate whereas high blood pressure and cancer happen more slowly over time such that we might underestimate their frequency as a result.”
More than a third of people surveyed said they see transport injuries such as accidents (38%), violence such as murder (37%), and terrorism and conflict (35%) most frequently in the news – the highest among all 14 causes of death. But the top three causes of death that the majority of people said they have been personally affected by are cancer (70%), heart disease (60%) and diabetes or kidney diseases (58%).
The entire story on the findings and what influences our view on causes of death can viewed here.
About the Study
These are the findings of the Ipsos MORI Perils of Perception Survey 2020. 16,000 interviews were conducted between 22 November and 6 December 2019.The survey is conducted in 32 countries around the world, via the Ipsos Online Panel system in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, SAR China, Colombia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, SAR, China, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the USA.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5,000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
Steelworkers Stand Up for Health Care, Endorse NDP in Nova Scotia By-elections
HALIFAX, Feb. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) union is proud to endorse NDP candidates Kendra Coombes and Kathleen Kevany in the March 10 by-elections.
"Our members and our union support strong public health care and strong public services. We know we can count on New Democrats to fight for health care. That's why I'm proud to endorse Kendra Coombes in Cape Breton Centre and Kathleen Kevany in Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River," said Marty Warren, USW Atlantic Director.
"Kathleen Kevany has a track record of bringing people together and she will make fixing the doctor shortage a top priority," said Warren.
"Kendra Coombes is already working hard in Cape Breton at the municipal level. Let's leverage Kendra's experience so the people of Cape Breton Centre have a provincial representative they can count on," said Warren.
"Liberals make lots of promises, but it's New Democrats who deliver. In these by-elections, Nova Scotians can vote for strong NDP candidates who will join NDP Leader Gary Burrill in Halifax and bring health-care solutions, not divisive cuts," said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.
"Stephen McNeil's wrongheaded budget is a gift to corporations that will further jeopardize already strained public services. Kendra Coombes and Kathleen Kevany will stand up for health care, education and workers' rights," said Warren.
The USW represents 225,000 members working in all sectors across Canada including steel and aluminum, telecommunications, post-secondary education, mining, paper and forestry, office, technical and service workers in health care, credit unions, security, hotels and more.
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
/R E P E A T -- Rare Disease Day initiative celebrates Canadians' differences, shines light on Canadians living with rare diseases/
Public invited to attend What Makes You Rare? event at Brookfield Place on February 28, 2020
TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Josie Dye's six-year-old son, Cole, lives with Sotos Syndrome, a rare disease characterized by overgrowth in childhood that is typically accompanied by learning challenges.
Since Cole's birth, Josie and her family have lived through many of the challenges common to families coping with a rare disease. Some of these challenges can include finding an accurate diagnosis, the availability of treatment and gaining access when therapies are approved, and securing the ongoing care needed to support health and quality of life.
As a radio host, broadcaster and mom, Josie is sharing her family's experience in the hopes of increasing awareness about rare diseases in Canada, as well as helping combat the feelings of isolation many patients and their families feel. It's an important message for the estimated one in 12 (or more than three million) Canadians who live with a rare disease, two-thirds of whom are children.i
"Families need to remember that you're not alone," says Josie. "Sometimes we feel like we're sinking, and that we're the only ones struggling, but there are so many out there who are living with a rare disease. Being able to connect with others, who either share your experience or are willing to offer support, is absolutely crucial to long-term wellbeing."
What Makes You Rare?
With the goal of bringing attention to this remarkable and resilient community, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), in partnership with Sanofi Genzyme, is helping to highlight the stories of these patients and families to mark Rare Disease Day 2020.
"It is critically important to share the stories of those living with rare diseases in Canada," says Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO, CORD. "When we listen to their experiences, we are more educated about, and more empathetic to, the challenges these individuals and their families encounter every day. In turn, we can each become champions of the rare disease community, helping to advocate for the services and support they need."
To encourage this national storytelling, CORD and its patient group partners Answering TTP Foundation, Canadian Association of Pompe, Canadian Fabry Association, Canadian MPS Society, and The National Gaucher Foundation of Canada, are posing the question "What makes you rare?". The question is meant to inspire Canadians to think about and articulate their own unique stories and share them as a sign of solidarity and support for the rare disease community. Canadians are encouraged to share their own answers via social media on the "What Makes You Rare?" Facebook event page.
Rare Disease Day 2020 Event:February 28, 2020, 8 AM to 6 PM, Brookfield Place (downtown Toronto)
In a further effort to help educate the general public about rare diseases and engage Canadians in a conversation about living with a rare disease in Canada, Josie, CORD, the partner patient associations and Sanofi Genzyme are hosting an interactive "What Makes You Rare?" event on February 28, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Brookfield Place in downtown Toronto.
At the event, visitors can engage with the different stories of Canadians in the rare disease community through original photography and videos.
"Rare Disease Day is a wonderful opportunity to become more educated about rare diseases and their impact," says Josie, "but it can't stop there. It's important to remember that we live with these rare diseases 365 days a year. For us, every day is Rare Disease Day."
About Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders. CORD works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada. For more information, visit www.raredisorders.ca
Banning the Sale of Flavoured Vaping Products at Gas Stations and Convenience Stores Important Step in Addressing Youth Vaping
TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) strongly supports this move by the Ontario Government to address the issue of youth vaping by banning most flavoured vapour products and setting limits on nicotine levels in products sold in convenience stores and gas stations.
Our position has always been clear: vaping devices should not be used by non-smokers and especially not by young people.
The OMA wrote to Minister Elliott in September 2019 and recommended that the government:
Expand restrictions on the marketing and promotion of vaping products.
Expand restrictions of flavouring for vape juice, e-juice and e-liquid.
Develop awareness campaigns to educate the public, especially youth, about the harmful risks of vaping.
"I applaud today's announcement by Health Minister Christine Elliott that will ban most flavoured vaping products and limit the levels of nicotine contained in products sold in gas stations and convenience stores," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, President, OMA. "This is an important continuation of the work the government has been engaged in to address the critical issue of youth vaping."
The government will also be making a number of other changes including increased smoking cessation support through telehealth, limiting promotion at specialty vaping stores to only be visible inside the store and putting in place an advisory committee on vaping to inform future vaping policies.
According to the 2019 Ontario Student Drug Use survey done by CAMH, between 2017 and 2019, past year electronic cigarette use by youth has doubled. An estimated 23% of students in grades 7-12 have tried a vaping product in the past year. Further, one-in-eight of students in this age group are using vaping products on a weekly or daily basis. Over half of these products contain nicotine.
There is a lack of awareness and understanding among youth about the addictive nature of nicotine and the potential negative health effects. There is evidence that youth who use vaping devices are more likely to smoke tobacco later in life.
The OMA has long advocated for robust smoking cessation programs. Vaping products have helped some people stop smoking, although the evidence on their effectiveness is inconclusive.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Frontline Workers Put in the Backseat on Homecare Reforms
RICHMOND HILL, ON, Feb. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Statement from SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart in response to the Ford Government's homecare overhaul:
"Frontline workers and their unions were given zero opportunity to provide input into the overhaul of Ontario's homecare system. The legislation appears to have been written behind closed doors with the operators who stand to profit from the reforms.
"Doug Ford's government is handing the keys to our healthcare system to the rich executives who can't properly run their own businesses. Today's announcement proves the Ford government is again putting frontline workers in the backseat to a privatization agenda.
"When the people who exploit nurses and personal support workers are leading the overhaul, taxpayers and families in need of care are right to be worried. And with everything in his government going so wrong, frontline workers do not have the confidence that Doug Ford's government will get this right.
"Without a commitment to raising the wages of low-paid healthcare workers, deliver safe working conditions through adequate training, and secure pensions, any attempt to address the recruitment and retention crisis will fail.
"SEIU Healthcare is calling on Minister Elliott to halt introduction of her legislation until frontline workers and their unions are confident that the needs of nurses and personal support workers, and the needs of the people they care for every day, are thoroughly addressed."
SEIU Healthcare is the largest union in the homecare sector and represents more than 60,000 frontline workers across the healthcare system. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. SEIU Healthcare has a strong track record of improving wages, benefits and working conditions for healthcare workers, supporting the training and development needs of its members, and strengthening standards in the management and delivery of patient and client care. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
ENCLEXTA® with Rituximab, a Treatment for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), now reimbursed in British Columbia
British Columbia is the second province to reimburse the combination treatment.
VENCLEXTA® + rituximab is a regimen that includes a targeted oral agent that should be continued for two years after initial five weeks ramp-up phase.
MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, today announced that VENCLEXTA® in combination with rituximab, a treatment for patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who have received at least one prior therapy, is now listed in British Columbia. VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab is an effective treatment option that has the benefit of a finite treatment approach, meaning patients stop their therapy after two years of treatment.
"CLL is a chronic cancer, meaning that patients may eventually relapse. This is why it is important to have access to new innovative therapies and combinations. With VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab, I am able to prescribe to my patients living with CLL an effective treatment with a clearly defined end-date, which is positive news for patients," explains Dr. Alina Gerrie, MD MPH FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Lymphoma Tumour Group, BC Cancer.
British Columbia Cancer in coordination with their Lymphoma Tumour Group has listed VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab on formulary for the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy.i
"The listing of VENCLEXTA plus rituximab in British Columbia is positive news for the people living with CLL," says Elizabeth Lye, Director of Research & Programs, Lymphoma Canada. "Receiving a diagnosis of CLL or any cancer is always shocking and overwhelming, therefore knowing that there are effective treatments available provides reassurance to people facing this uncertain journey."
Furthermore, VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab is listed as a Limited Use (LU) product on the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).ii
CLL, which is typically a slow-progressing cancer of the bone marrow and bloodiii, is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. In Canada, CLL accounts for approximately 1,745 newly diagnosed cases of leukemia each year and is responsible for more than 600 deaths a year.iv
VENCLEXTA continues to be investigated in CLL and other hematological diseases. VENCLEXTA is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.
About the MURANO Study A total of 389 patients with relapse / refractory (R/R) CLL who had received at least one prior therapy were enrolled in the international, multicenter, open-label, randomized (1:1) MURANO study (NCT02005471). The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab (194 patients) compared with bendamustine in combination with rituximab (195 patients). The median age of patients in the trial was 65 years (range 22-85).v The MURANO study is unique in its design with the intention for patients to stop therapy after 24 months.
About AbbVie Care Canadians prescribed VENCLEXTA can be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature care program. The program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment. For more information, please visit www.abbviecare.ca.
About AbbVie in Oncology At AbbVie, we strive to discover and develop medicines that deliver transformational improvements in cancer treatment by uniquely combining our deep knowledge in core areas of biology with cutting-edge technologies, and by working together with our partners – scientists, clinical experts, industry peers, advocates, and patients. We remain focused on delivering these transformative advances in treatment across some of the most debilitating and widespread cancers. We are also committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. AbbVie's oncology portfolio now consists of marketed medicines and a pipeline containing multiple new molecules being evaluated worldwide in more than 300 clinical trials and more than 20 different tumor types.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
Bunzl Canada Provides Electrostatic Disinfecting to Safeguard Hygiene At CFB Trenton
Loan of equipment to Canadian Border Services Agency assists repatriation flights operation
BURLINGTON, ON, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Bunzl Canada (bunzlcanada.ca) today announced its exclusive Clorox® Total 360® electrostatic disinfecting system has been used to disinfect equipment after Canadians arriving from China have been received at CFB Trenton facilities.
"Our support to customers in maintaining healthy, productive facilities is focused on providing the right products, state-of-the-art technology and best practices in cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting," said Bunzl Canada President, John Howlett. "We're proud to assist Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) in their efforts to maintain the highest levels of cleaning and hygiene."
The company provided urgently needed cleaning supplies and the loan of a Clorox® Total 360® electrostatic disinfecting unit for use at CFB Trenton, where Canadians returning from China are being received and housed while quarantined. The Total 360® system, pioneered in Canada by Bunzl, uses an electrode to introduce an attractive charge to the disinfecting product. An air compressor atomizes the solution, enabling the charged particles to reach and uniformly coat the front, back and sides of surfaces, disinfecting even the hardest-to-reach places.
Bunzl's assistance during the coronavirus repatriation flights operation in Trenton was invaluable, according to the operations team at CBSA. The prompt, on-site delivery of additional protective masks, disinfectant liquids and wipes, and the loan of the electrostatic applicator to assist in the equipment clean-up phase enabled the team to remain focused on successfully executing their mandate of service and protection.
Bunzl Canada offers a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products, tools and equipment as well as a comprehensive line of head-to-toe personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection etc. The company supports their industry-leading products with training and education to facilities in healthcare, high traffic venues, educational settings and other commercial and institutional facilities across the country.
"We continually look for new ways to help our customers improve cleaning program effectiveness, safeguard the health of their employees and protect the environment" said Margo Hunnisett, VP Marketing and Communications at Bunzl Canada. "We're thrilled to have been able to assist CBSA in the vital work that they do."
Bunzl Canada Inc. (bunzlcanada.ca) provides the cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, safety supplies, food and retail packaging, and industrial supplies that keep over 45,000 Canadian businesses running optimally, every day. The company brings its customers the advantage of global sourcing, product innovation and national scale combined with responsive local service and deep category expertise. Bunzl Canada Inc. is a division of Bunzl Distribution USA, LLC.
About Bunzl Distribution
Bunzl Distribution USA, LLC (bunzldistribution.com), headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is the largest division of London-based Bunzl plc, an international distribution and outsourcing group. With more than 100 distribution centres throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, Bunzl supplies a wide range of products to food processors, supermarkets, retailers, convenience stores and other users.
SOURCE Bunzl Canada
Care comes first: SE Health welcomes changes to home and community care
Not-for-profit social enterprise believes new legislation will pave the way for new models of care that empower people, families and care providers
MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - "For years, patients, families and care provider organizations have been calling for improvements to home care. We are encouraged to see the Ontario government is listening," says Shirlee Sharkey, CEO of SE Health and a 28-year veteran leader in the home care space.
If passed, the new legislation will pave the way for innovative service delivery models and a more direct relationship between hospitals, home care, community services and primary health care. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, SE Health has been 'innovating around the edges' for years – working with health system partners to re-imagine home care, develop new programs and usher in the necessary changes to meet the needs of an aging population.
"It makes sense on so many levels but changing the status quo in health care is actually really hard." Sharkey sees the new legislation as a promising signal for the expansion of new programs that benefit communities, patients, families and the health system alike.
For example, SE Health is collaborating with AMS on a four-year project to implement a holistic model of care known as HOPE (Home, Opportunity, People, Empowerment). The model works to empower home care staff, patients and caregivers, while de-layering the system. According to Sharkey, this leads to a range of positive outcomes such as high patient and staff satisfaction, a reduction in emergency department visits and hospital readmissions, and increased quality of life.
The organization is also involved in several transitional care models like Southlake@Home and Sunnybrook's One ED Team, which see hospitals and home and community care providers partnering directly to tackle the issue of hallway healthcare. Early results show these programs are making a dent.
"So many solutions already exist in the system today," notes Sharkey. "The challenge now is moving them to scale in an accelerated way. By all counts, Ontarians are ready and waiting for a better, more customized home care experience. "
About SE Health SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise applying knowledge, vision and drive to impact how people live and age at home, today and into the future. With Canadian roots and 110+ years of expertise, the organization brings quality excellence and innovation to home care, seniors' lifestyle, and family caregiving. Through its team of 9,000 Leaders of Impact, SE Health delivers 21,000 care exchanges daily, totaling 50 million in the last decade alone. Visit us online at sehc.com.
SOURCE SE Health
$100,000 for more mental health services for youth in the Québec City region
QUÉBEC CITY, Feb. 24, 2020 CNW/ - Québec City Mayor Régis Labeaume, and Mr. Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada, today announced the creation of a $100,000 mental health fund.
Sun Life will invest $75,000 over three years and the City of Québec will donate $25,000. This investment stems from the commitment made last December by Mr. Jacques Goulet, who acted as honorary chair of the 9th Québec City Mayor's Bal, which raises funds for the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
The fund will be managed by the Fondation Jeunes en Tête and will help the foundation to intervene and invest in areas where the needs are most important:
Awareness through the foundation's junior high school program;
Early detection in schools;
Intervention to improve access to health care for adolescents in difficulty.
"Psychological distress among young people is a major problem in our society," said Québec City mayor Régis Labeaume. "With this investment fund, Ville de Québec is going a step further to help teens who are struggling. We sincerely believe that every action can give vulnerable youth hope and make a real difference in their lives."
"The funding announced today will enable the Fondation Jeunes en Tête to strengthen its impact where the needs are most urgent. With intervention right from childhood, Sun Life is helping provide young people with the tools they need to develop resilience for decades to come. This is part of Sun Life's actions towards building sustainable and healthier communities, which reinforces our purpose to help people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives," Mr. Goulet stated.
"The youth support ecosystem is alive and well in Québec; even so, it's important to mobilize and raise awareness to better align prevention, awareness and access to care efforts so that youth in distress no longer fall through the cracks," stated Catherine Burrows, Associate Executive Director with the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
About Fondation Jeunes en Tête Created from the merger between the Mental Illness Foundation and the Fondation Québec Jeunes, the Fondation Jeunes en Tête's mission is to prevent psychological distress in youth aged 11 to 18 in Québec. The Fondation accomplishes its mission by reaching out to teenagers in schools through its Partners for Life program, and by supporting recognized community organizations that complement its work. The Fondation also creates synergy among all youth advocates and stakeholders in order to maximize their joint impact on young people. To find out more about the Fondation and the Portrait of Youth Wellbeing, visit fondationjeunesentete.org/fr and https://fondationjeunesentete.org/data/1-ensemble-du-quebec-definitif.pdf
Sun Life in the community Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organisation can help build a positive environment for their Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention and care initiatives through its Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through its award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. Read more about Sun Life in the community.
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