November 2011 was Addictions Awareness and Recovery Awareness Month. Although this event was not proclaimed internationally nor at the municipal level, it was observed by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) and its team of professionals who provide counseling and support to individuals affected with mental health and addiction issues. Asking for help is the first major step in their recovery. Through their efforts and with the support from staff at the Mental Health & Addictions Program (MHAP) and their partners Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Westover, Canadian Mental Health Association and Assertive Community Treatment, recovery is possible.
Individuals with an addiction or mental health concern, or both, can and do make positive changes in their lives and many go on to lead rewarding and successful lives despite the barriers they encounter. Stigma and discrimination are barriers that we as a society, healthcare professionals included, impose. It discourages these individuals from accessing treatment or support. When a person adopts what society believes about them it creates self shame and leads to low self esteem, isolation and hopelessness.
Listening to their patient stories is cause to celebrate. To combat shame and discrimination and create awareness about these barriers, MHAP staff visited several departments at CKHA over the past few months educating others about treatment and recovery to improve sensitivity towards these issues. This quality improvement initiative was endorsed by MHAP’S Quality Council in response to feedback from patients and families who received treatment at CKHA. Listening to their stories created motivation to make improvements at CKHA so we truly are “An Exceptional Community Hospital - Setting Standards Exceeding Expectations.”
Listening to their patient stories is cause to celebrate. To combat shame and discrimination and create awareness about these barriers, MHAP staff visited several departments at CKHA over the past few months educating others about treatment and recovery to improve sensitivity towards these issues. This quality improvement initiative was endorsed by MHAP’S Quality Council in response to feedback from patients and families who received treatment at CKHA. Listening to their stories created motivation to make improvements at CKHA so we truly are “An Exceptional Community Hospital - Setting Standards Exceeding Expectations.”
One does not need to be a professionally trained therapist to make a difference in the lives of these individuals. A warm, caring and non-judgmental attitude can improve self-esteem and instill hope that change is possible. We all have the same window of opportunity to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination by respecting these individuals for who they are, and not attaching labels. Through awareness and collaboration, we all can be ambassadors to reduce the barriers of stigma and discrimination.
Members of the Stigma Promotion, L-R. Shannon Stephenson, Janice Miller, Jill Ladd, Bruce McCubbin & Heather Badder
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