For Dr. Ginette Poulin, the decision to come to Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene from Manitoba was an inspiring one. “The opportunity to work for a cutting-edge program in mental health and addictions care, and work collaboratively in a growing addictions program is really attractive and challenging during a time of great need for such services,” she says.
Dr. Poulin is the new Medical Director of Concurrent Disorders, having joined the hospital in September 2022. Dr. Poulin had worked with Dr. Bernard Le Foll, Waypoint’s Vice-President of Research and Academics and Chief Scientific Officer on national addictions initiatives and following a site visit where she discovered the great sense of community at Waypoint and the hidden gem of Georgian Bay, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with the Waypoint team.
Concurrent disorders describes a condition in which a person has both a mental illness and a substance use problem. Waypoint’s Georgianwood Program is a specialized residential 15-bed concurrent disorders program that integrates mental health and addictions care that now includes innovative virtual care. The virtual program was launched during the pandemic and provides clients access to specialized services from their home, while still being able to maintain their everyday commitments. Virtual supports are another way Waypoint is strengthening local and regional services and helping with the challenges of high hospital occupancy and over-burdened emergency departments as people receive service beyond hospital walls.
“The Waypoint concurrent disorders program is very forward thinking,” Poulin adds. “The services are patient-centered, evidence-based and flexible to the needs of individuals as it builds capacity for the future in concurrent disorders treatment. We have feedback from clients on a regular basis who share that the program has provided them with many skills and tools to face their challenges, mobilizing them through their path of wellness and that the program was overall transformative and valuable.”
Dr. Poulin is passionate about partnerships and education, having provided formal education through presentations, conferences, and speaking opportunities on the national level, helping post-secondary institutions strengthen their addiction programs, and also on the front lines with staff. She looks forward to expanding addiction education, supporting standards of care, integrating evidence, cultural and trauma-informed lenses throughout the region and supporting Ontario Health Teams, primary care providers and other inpatient and outpatient services. Waypoint’s Family, Child and Youth Mental Health Program and the partnerships with other organizations supporting youth was also a draw, and an area she will be able to support.
“I’ve been at Waypoint just a few months and I’m really looking forward to all the work ahead. As leaders in the field, our team is working together to collaboratively improve mental health and addictions care overall.”
The holidays are a time for celebration and Dr. Poulin reminds everyone to be safe and take care of themselves and their loved ones during these times that can be a challenge for many. She encourages all to increase their awareness of Health Canada’s guidance on substance use at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use.html. If you are struggling with your mental health or substance use, please reach out – whether it’s to supportive family and friends, to your primary care provider, to a rapid access to addiction medicine (RAAM) clinic, by visiting Breaking Free Online at www.breakingfreeonline.ca or by visiting 211ontario.ca to find other support services.
Joyeux Noël et bonne année!