Page 7 - OSMH Foundation - 2023 Community Impact Report

MENTAL HEALTH

SAFE ROOMS standard for these increased and our patient
“Our population has
“This is the gold
1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental health difficulties each year, and types of rooms. It shows volumes have almost doubled in
the numbers continue to grow. that the community is the last six years. The community
seeing that there’s a sees the hard work we do and
In May of 2023, we opened two mental health safe rooms in our need for mental health the restrictions we have. It’s
Emergency Department. These rooms provide safety, privacy, and care and values the great to see our communities
support to those in crisis and allow our staff to support the growing investment needed to come together to help our
mental health needs in our communities. provide the best care.” Emergency Department.”

— Brandon Lewicki, Program — Joice Antony, Program
This project was generously funded and supported by the Chippewas of Manager of Mental Health Manager of the Emergency
Rama First Nation. Rama First Nation made a $115,000 commitment to Services Department
our hospital in support of mental health care and life-saving equipment.
The rooms have been used by patients every day since opening and,
due to the quality of materials used, have not had any maintenance
closures. This addition provides a safe environment for healthcare “Rama First Nation is proud to assist OSMH in providing a safe
providers, patients, and those experiencing a mental health crisis. space for vulnerable patients experiencing mental health issues. It is
rewarding to learn that so many have been benefited by the opening of
OSMH’s mental health safe rooms are having a positive impact on these rooms in the hospital over the past year.
patients in need. They provide our patients with room to walk, and rest,
and a chalkboard wall for creativity and expression. Rama’s partnership with OSMH continues to create opportunities for
learning, developing and supporting all our communities in health and
Miigwetch (Thank you) to Chippewas of Rama First Nation for helping wellness.”
OSMH provide healthcare excellence to those in need of mental health — Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation
support.

“People who are in an emotionally or mentally fragile state need to feel safe and like they’re worthy of care. Having access to
these new mental health rooms is so important because they give people like me, who are struggling or are in their darkest
moments, the ability to just be ourselves in a place that is comfortable, private, and supportive.” — Mental Health Patient Amanda S.

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