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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.
RELEASE DATE:
May 24, 2024
The County of Renfrew’s Mesa initiative was officially launched May 22 with a successful, well attended gathering of stakeholders at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke.
The Mesa initiative is a collaborative approach to compassionate care and building a healthier, more resilient community. The Mesa Gathering was a joint venture between the County of Renfrew, Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
It brought together more than 140 individuals representing approximately 30 organizations from across Renfrew County already working to address the unprecedented crisis around the precariously housed and those facing mental health, substance abuse and addictions challenges.
The day was about sparking conversations between the organizations, allowing those in attendance to learn more the services others are providing and encouraging collaborations where possible. There was a great energy in the room throughout the day.
The day started in a powerful way as Leonard Baskin and Corey Clouthier shared their stories of recovery and offered messages of hope for life after addictions. Both recounted their journeys from a place of desperation to the programs, the people, and the assistance that they both received that helped them on a renewed path of resiliency. Both gentlemen now give back to the communities that supported them over the years by sharing their stories with the hopes of helping just one person that has been down the same spiral that they have been down.
Keynote speaker CBC reporter and producer Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco 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. He was first intrigued to delve into the lives of these individuals after he and his producer witnessed a man in his 20s using drugs in plain view on Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa.
He has slowly earned the trust of people living in these precarious situations, is helping build connection to the community and putting a face to those suffering in the opioid crisis through his documentary series.
He has plans to come back to Renfrew County to focus on the heart of the crisis here and share the stories of clients of the Mesa Program.
Deirdre Freiheit, former President and CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa, shared her experiences leading the organization and stressed compassion, listening and hope when dealing with this vulnerable population.
“We’ve learned, time and time again, that in times of crisis, the people of the County of Renfrew have risen to the occasion and found a solution. This is a housing crisis, a mental health crisis, an opioid crisis, and a community crisis. It’s time we all worked together to find solutions,” said County of Renfrew Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley
Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon noted we are witnessing a distressing surge in drug-related fatalities and opioid overdoses, reflecting a broader, pressing issue that demands our immediate attention and collaborative action.
“It's important that we come together as a community to address the root causes of substance use disorders, enhance access to treatment and support services, and implement evidence-based harm reduction strategies. If not the collective us, then who?” the Warden added.
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, County of Renfrew and Renfrew County and District Health Unit. The representatives from the organizations also took part in a panel discussion.
This phased approach, named mesa (pronounced “mey-suh”), builds relationships and finds solutions; ignites community-based, multi-sector support; mobilizes a paramedic mental health and addictions crisis team; upholds an ‘evidence to action’ framework; invests in a collaborative Housing First approach and increases access to safe, affordable and including housing.
The full mesa Report can be found on the County of Renfrew website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
The Mesa Gathering panellists listen as a member of the audience asks a question during the discussion. Taking part in the discussion (from left) were facilitator Paul Moreau; Inspector Stephan Neufeld, Upper Ottawa Valley OPP; County of Renfrew Community Services Director Andrea Patrick; Kim McLeod, Service Director, Addictions Treatment Service at Renfrew Victoria Hospital; Melanie Henderson, Vice-President Clinical and Support Services at Pembroke Regional Hospital; Patti Smith, Director Health Promotion and Chief Nursing Officer at the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and Corey Clouthier, Harvest House Ministries.
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