July 12, 2016 - In recognition of her efforts with health care partners to transition people with mental health and addiction challenges from hospital to community, Mary Davis, Executive Director of Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services in North Bay, has been named a North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) Healthy Change Champion.
Mary has been at the helm of a collaborative endeavour forward-thinking to help move patients with single needs from the North Bay Regional Health Centre to either permanent or transitional housing in the community.
"Mary Demonstrates the best qualities of our Northern health care leaders - she champions the interests of customers first, and works with partners to achieve the best outcomes for people. Her unwavering focus on doing what is best for Northerners is remarkable, "says Louise Paquette, CEO of the NE LHIN.
"We do not accept the theory that we 'can not do' something, rather, we find creative ways to make things work, while keeping the customer in the center of the picture, and providing good opportunities for growth and recovery by overcoming challenges and barriers, "says Mary.
The NE LHIN began working with partners about five years ago. In July 2015, with LHIN support Mary's agency opened its first Specialized care home for 11 people living with serious mental illness and complex medical care issues. They had Lived in hospital for many years due to a lack of suitable housing in the North Bay area. Mary also led the agency in developing a residence, funded by the NE LHIN, for three people living with acquired brain injury who had been long-stay hospital patients.
"The best way to assist customers is by them directly engaging with, and providing good services based on current needs," says Mary. "Suitable and affordable housing is the foundation for recovery for those who live with mental health issues, acquired brain injury, and addictions."
In recent months, the NE LHIN has started to create a regional group North East Housing and Health
Strategy to address the needs of our area's vulnerable populations Including seniors, homeless people, and people with mental health and addiction challenges. The area's first-ever housing strategy is expected to be completed this fall.
About Mary:
· Mary has been with Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services for 17 years, first as Finance Manager, and since 2009 as Executive Director.
· Mary Was Born and raised in Timmins. She is board chair of the North Bay and District Humane Society. Recently a board member of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).
