Ontario Shores continues to provide mental health care while keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic we have been making changes to ensure the delivery of quality care while also continuing to provide education and information for our patients, staff and community. This edition of the Community Current highlights a number of efforts to support our community with both information and services to meet the needs in this unique time in history. Enjoy.

On Wednesday, June 17, Ontario Shores celebrated the achievements of the past year at our 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to formally close out the 2019/2020 year.

The AGM was held virtually to accommodate measures associated with the global pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We also released copies of the 2019/2020 Annual Report, which was produced remotely by Communications and Public Affairs in collaboration with patients and families. 

View the Annual Report »

Ontario Shores is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Amer Burhan to the role of Physician-in-Chief.

Dr. Burhan joins Ontario Shores from St. Joseph's Health Care-London where he holds the roles of Clinical Lead for Therapeutic Brain Stimulation Service, and from Western University where he holds several senior leadership roles.

Read More »

As a result of COVID-19, health care workers may be at risk of developing increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions are at high risk of exacerbation of symptoms. The purpose of this clinic is to provide rapid access to services for all health care workers to provide skills that enhance resilience and reduce symptom burden.

Visit www.ontarioshores.ca/hcwassist »

Wounded Warriors Canada and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) recognize the need to provide a range of specialized mental health services, including prevention, crisis supports and treatment to First Responders. First Responder Assist builds on the clinical expertise of both organizations and will enhance the culturally specific trauma programs provided by Wounded Warriors Canada.

Visit www.ontarioshores.ca/firstresponders »

Episode 63: In this episode we're talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and hockey with former NHL goaltender and current Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Kelly Hrudey.

Watch Episode 63 »

Episode 62:  In this episode we're joined by Ontario Shores staff Joanna Ramsay, Registered Dietition and Shawn Carter, Clinical Manager. We're talking nutrition, mental health and leveraging technology to provide care during the pandemic. 

Watch Episode 62 »

Episode 61: In this episode we're talking COVID-19 and mental health systems with Dr. Paul Kurkyak of the Mental Health & Addictions Centre of Excellence.

Watch Episode 61 »

Christine Fuda is the Mental Health First Aid Coordinator at Ontario Shores. During the pandemic, she will be blogging regularly around the impact of COVID-19 from a mental health perspective. Send your suggestions for topics to [email protected].