New Peer Navigator Program coming this spring
A new program that will help mental health and addiction clients navigate the health care system is already garnering some media attention in advance of the program’s start in April 2015.
The Peer Navigator Program, to be led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Vancouver-Burnaby Branch coming out of a successful RFP proposal last August, was a result of VCH’s review of two existing advocacy contracts and consequent restructuring into one new clinical and navigation contract.
VCH’s intent for the new program was to focus more on peer navigators who have already struggled with mental health and addictions in their own lives and can now help support others by guiding them through the system based on their own unique client perspective and experience.
“CMHA has come to the table with an exciting program that will see a more client-centred and recovery-oriented model to improve the quality of life and progress in recovery of our clients,” says Andrew MacFarlane, director of mental health and addiction for Vancouver. “CMHA not only has a long standing history of delivering both evidence- and practice-based programming, but they also have staff already working in sites and teams operated by other service providers throughout the community and a vast research base that will better inform the new service contract.”
The new program is expected to have the added benefit of providing greater access to a wider range of clients, including youth and young adults and those with substance abuse and addictions across the Vancouver community of care.
“With CMHA providing the services, we will see better client uptake beyond the current two existing sites,” says Sue McDonald, coordinator for Consumer Involvement. “We will also see more access by youth, especially those who are transitioning to adult health care services. On top of better access for more clients, there will also be more of a focus on health care while still providing assistance for such things as income security and housing.”
Michael Anhorn, Executive Director of CMHA adds, “We’re looking forward to April when we’ll start rolling out our new program to benefit clients needing help in navigating the health care system. VCH undertook a significant review of what was in place for clients before and is now trusting us to deliver services informed by best practices that include better integration of health and addictions services as well as working in close partnership with other providers to avoid service duplication. We’re up to the task and look forward to working with VCH to better the lives of those currently struggling with mental health and addictions.”
Until the new program is up and running, current clients will have access to Kettle Friendship Society services (until March 31), as well as client support and system navigation services through ARA Mental Health and the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.