November 21
2022
Each year the Integrated Services for Indigenous Communities (ISIC) program receives over 110 Indigenous patients in need of hospitalization for acute mental health support.
The ISIC program operates in partnership with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services (CBHSS) as well as the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS), and strives to provide culturally appropriate mental health support (hospitalization and psychiatric follow-ups) for Indigenous people experiencing severe mental health challenges that cannot access care within their home community.
During hospitalization, patients receive clinical support from Canada’s leading psychiatric service providers, but a key challenge is providing a therapeutic environment for healing that aligns with Indigenous cultures within the walls of a hospital.
Support from the Bank of Montreal and TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is aiding our efforts to provide tailored support to Indigenous patients on their journey to wellness. They made it possible for us to provide over 600 traditional food and meals in partnership with Cree and Inuit community members and organizations located in Montreal, offering patients a taste of home during their stay at the Douglas.
In addition to providing traditional Indigenous meals, we endeavoured to make the Douglas a space that feels safe and welcoming for Indigenous patients. To this end, we commissioned two pieces from renowned Ojibway artist Thomas Sinclair. With these projects, among others, we hope to create a home away from home, and build hope for Indigenous patients in a way that values their culture, customs, and healing traditions.
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, all donations made to the Douglas Foundation until December 31 will be matched up to a total of $30,000.
Mr. Fortier, who currently serves as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at WSP Global, will bring his expertise in governance, strategic management, and legal affairs to the Foundation’s mission.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Charles, Evelyne, and Sandra Dolansky Foundation, the Centre is taking its research to the next level with an exciting multi-year initiative led by five Principal Investigators.