Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco, CBC Ottawa News host and producer (second from left), was the keynote speaker for the Mesa Gathering, held May 22 at Miramichi Lodge. Following his talk about his reporting on the opioid crisis in Ottawa, he was joined on stage by (from left) County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Chief Michael Nolan, Community Services Director Andrea Patrick, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon and Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley. County of Renfrew photo
Months of preparation within the County of Renfrew have led to the launch of its latest initiative.
The county’s new collaborative Mesa approach to compassionate care and building a healthier, more resilient community was officially introduced at a meeting inside Pembroke’s Miramichi Lodge on May 22nd.
More than 140 people representing 30 organizations from across Renfrew County gathered to engage with and learn more about the services others are providing, encouraging collaborations where possible.
Warden Peter Emon says that, whether it’s community paramedicine, Ontario Works, long-term care, or the Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre, the county is taking responsibility for the wellbeing of its residents.
The meeting was one final chance for county staff and the local health service providers who have worked with them to create a comprehensive strategy to get on the same page as it addresses the crises faced by the precariously housed and those facing mental health, substance abuse, and addiction challenges.
Emon notes that a distressing surge in drug-related fatalities and opioid overdoses in the region demands a team effort from community health services.
The county was joined by keynote speaker Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco, CBC reporter and producer, who shared videos of some of the individuals whose stories have stuck with him as he reports on the opioid crisis in the City of Ottawa.
Other organizations to share information about their services were Mental Health Services at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, Addictions Treatment Services at Renfrew Victoria Hospital, Mackay Manor, Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa, the County of Renfrew, and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
The full Mesa Report can be found on the County of Renfrew website.
(written by Kasey Egan)
