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From Linda Gallacher

Hi Everyone,

2021 marks my 40th year as CEO of CMHA Durham and I am very proud of the journey we have taken together in creating an Integrated Mental Health and Primary Care Hub. Our success has not been achieved by one person but all those who came before me and everyone who has joined us to help serve our community. I am honoured to have led this organization over the last 40 years and grateful for everyone’s support.  But as in any story, my part will be ending. I will be retiring March 31st 2021. This great story will continue to unfold with new chapters and I know that CMHA Durham will always be true to its vision and mission.  The agency will continue to provide innovative programs and services that support the mental health and primary care needs of Durham Region.

My journey started in June 1981 in a little bungalow at 187 Simcoe Street.  What started with three other staff members and no funded programs has grown into a leading provider of mental health and primary care services at an eight-story headquarters in the heart of downtown Oshawa.

I want to highlight a few of the outstanding achievements that we have made.

  • The creation of our Mental Health and Primary Care Hub was a journey over many years. We built a strong foundation of Mental Health Programs with Housing, ACT, CTO, CREATE, Recovery College Wellness Centre and Community Connections. We established our Primary Care Services through the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Clozapine Clinic and our allied services including our On-Site Pharmacy, the Tooth Fairy, Ontario Telehealth Network, and French Language Services.
  • In 2003 we became the first Mental Health organization to be accredited in Ontario and the second in Canada. We have had a total of 5 successful accreditations, meeting both Mental Health and Primary Care standards and ROP’S from Accreditation Canada. Our last two accreditations have been with exemplary standing.
  • We have created strong infrastructure in corporate services over the years with a robust back-office support in Finance, Human Resources and IT. The creation of our Facilities and Maintenance program has enabled us to partner with for-profit and not-for-profit developers and landlords to secure safe, affordable housing for individuals with complex needs.
  • Our Quality and Risk Framework is integrated throughout the organization and participates at a Provincial level to create a Community and Mental Health QIP. We also use Lean methods and value stream mapping to ensure our organization is adaptive and efficient.
  • We have worked diligently with our partners to create programs and services to support the Mental Health and Primary Care needs of our clients and community. A small sample of these include Hospital to Home with Lakeridge Health Corporation, back-office support for Pinewood’s addiction beds and with Ontario Shores for our THRP and CREATE programs.
  • We provided Primary Care and back-office support for Mission United. We also have an imbedded worker through our partnership with ODSP. We are proud to be involved with the region of Durham’s Housing initiatives and to be part of downtown Oshawa’s core service providers.
  • We value the input of our clients, caregivers, peers, staff and the community. We have used co-design to ensure their voices are heard. Most recently their input and support led to the creation of our Recover College Wellness Centre and helped us continue to provide essential services during the pandemic.
  • You can read more about the history of CMHA Durham and our accomplishments here

I am always inspired by our clients and their recovery journeys.  I am especially humbled by their willingness to share stories of their incredible persistence and determination.  I have always admired the creativity, innovation and dedication of the staff at CMHA.  In any condition, including through the pandemic, they have risen to the occasion and met the needs of our clients.  Their hard work and professionalism has meant we have kept our doors open, with in-person and virtual services to provide our clients with the essential services they need.

I have been honored to be the CEO of this organization, inspired by our clients, amazed by the dedication of our staff and the constant support of my board. Now is the time for the next chapter to be written.

I am happy to say The Board of Director is appointing Sheryl Wedderburn as Interim CEO as of April 6th 2021.  Please read her bio at this link, I am sure you will be as impressed with her credentials as I am. Sheryl, with the board and staff will take the organization to the next chapter of our journey; I know you will give her all your support.

 

Linda Gallacher,                                                              Tuesday, January 26, 2021

CEO CMHA Durham