Prescott-Russell: My Pregnancy, my experience
To minimize the impact of poverty on pregnancy, Groupe Action is offering a new program to support low-income pregnant women from the Prescott-Russell area.
Eligible women will benefit from the following support:
- Monthly contacts with an early childhood educator.
- Access to Groupe Action programs and services.
- Resources that are specifically adapted to inform the pregnant women on their baby’s development, preparing for the delivery, baby safety, breastfeeding, etc.
- A private and confidential consultation with a dietitian.
- Registration to various sites to receive coupons for baby supplies.
- Every month, a $75 gift certificate for essential foods (fruits, vegetables, etc.).
- Prenatal multivitamins.
- A big gift basket at the end of the program!
If you are planning on giving birth at the Montfort Hospital, you could also participate in a study conducted by the Ottawa University and benefit from $110.
Would you like to receive more information about the criteria to participate?
1 866 363-3210 | nwolfe@groupeaction.ca | www.groupeaction.ca
CORNWALL | On June 21st, at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Champlain East annual general meeting, Ivan Labelle, Community Health Worker at Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE), and Stephen Douris, founders of MenTALK – K homme’unique, a support group for men, received the Annual Mental Health Service Award. This award was presented to them in recognition of their commitment and significant contribution to men’s mental health movement in our community.
In working to ensure men do not continue to suffer in silence, Labelle and Douris face a big challenge; evidence indicates that, while men and women suffer from mental health issues equally, men are less likely to get the help they need. Furthermore, when men do look for help, they have a hard time finding the right kind of therapy. Men tend to prefer informal, action-based or group-based services rather than one-on-one talk sessions but these kinds of services are not readily available, especially in small communities.
Labelle and Douris found out that with a space and the right environment, men are more than willing to open up on how they feel. The group began with just a few members and have since grown to over 50 registered members. MenTALK – K homme’unique is changing lives one person at a time. They also are now looking to expand in other communities as the need for this service continues to grow.
Fight Stigma About Mental Health
Why are men less likely than women to get help dealing with mental health problems? Experts say societal pressure is a big factor. Canadian men are about three times more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse — including alcohol, cannabis and opioids — than women. Men also account for more than 75 percent of suicides in this country.
Men are not alone in suffering from the stigma attached to mental health but they may be reluctant to discuss their problems or seek help because of how they were conditioned. As a society, it is important to work together to fight stigma about mental health and encourage people to talk openly about their problems. The more comfortable we are talking about it, the better our society will be.
For more information about MenTALK – K homme’unique, please contact Ivan Labelle at 613-937-3132 ext. 232.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Champlain East (source):
https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/
Stephen Douris and Ivan Labelle
Angele D’Alessio (CMHA), Stephen Douris, Ivan Labelle, Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas (CMHA) and Angela Warren (CMHA)
Cornwall, June 9, 2021 – Virtual technology is becoming more and more part of our everyday life. With this in mind, we are inviting you to review our 2020-21 Annual Report online, which includes many examples of how our staff was able to adapt to requirements in an effort to continue delivering high quality services that meet our clients’ various needs. The report also highlights how our clients from each service centre demonstrated openness to change so as to improve the responsiveness of our health services in light of the pandemic. Such resilience is yet further evidence that your local CSCE is here for you and dedicated to your well-being.
An annual meeting in virtual mode
In these exceptional times, the CSCE held its thirty-first annual meeting in virtual mode on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Mr. Jean-François Pagé, Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Marc Bisson, Executive Director, lead the meeting. They presented the report of the nomination committee and the 2020-2021 financial report. They also recognized the work of outgoing Board members and staff who have worked at the CSCE for a number of years.
Highlights 2020-2021
Here are highlights that illustrate some of the CSCE’s achievements in 2020-2021:
- A Successful Shift to Virtual Service Delivery at the CSCE
- Vaccination Clinics Underway at CSCE
- Our Volunteers: The Strength of the Team is Each Individual Member
- The Importance of Home care in a Pandemic
- Nutrition in a Virtual World
- Centralized Intake System: Improved Assessment of Urgent Cases
- Courtesy COVID-19 Call Program, Resources and Support
- Diabetes Education Program
- etc.
Click here to read all the CSCE 2020-21 Annual Report.
On May 12&13, 2021, Grade 6 and 7 students in Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne took part in the first ever virtual edition of “Racing Against Drugs”.
For the past 23 years, “Racing Against Drugs” has informed youth about the dangerous effects of drugs as well as how to say “NO”.
On May 12, 2021, over 500 Francophone students learned about the physical, mental, social and legal impacts of drug and alcohol abuse through presentations by police, paramedics and other community partners.
The next day, on May 13, 2021, 1500 students from English schools in Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne also participated in the event.
“Racing Against Drugs” will be broadcast throughout the month of May by Yourtv Cornwall.
This year’s edition was dedicated to Mr. Gaëtan Simard, who passed away on May 12, 2021 at the age of 82 years. Devoted school teacher and a proud member of the Optimist Club, he was also an active member of the “Racing Against Drugs” committee for 20 years. We sincerely thank him for his great involvement in the cause during all these years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the CSCE is proud to participate in the province’s vaccination campaign. Since April 27th, COVID-19 vaccines is administered solely to our vulnerable clients.
Please note that clients must be contacted by one of our staff members prior to receiving the vaccine. They must also meet specific criteria established by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.
In total, 1,100 people will be able to get both doses of COVID-19 vaccine directly at the CSCE.
General Information on COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.
Ontario’s supply will not arrive all at once, so distribution will happen in stages. The goal is for everyone in Ontario to be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination if they want one, as soon as enough doses are available from manufacturers.
Learn more about the province’s vaccination campaign:
https://eohu.ca/en/section/covid-19-vaccines
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
National Volunteer Week: April 18-24, 2021
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.
#VolunteersBringChange in many ways so what does the “The Value of One, The Power of Many” mean to you?”
National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate, recognize and thank volunteers, and to create awareness for the important work millions do
across Canada!
Thanks to all CSCE volunteers!
Volunteers are key to the success of the CSCE. Their talent and the time and energy they invest in their role as volunteers enrich the work that we do.
We want all our volunteers to have a positive experience at the CSCE. It is important that every volunteer feels valued and has the opportunity to develop skills while contributing to the wellbeing of the community.
We encourage you to apply to become a volunteer!
Click here for more information.
Cornwall, March 16, 2021 – Despite COVID-19, community gardens should open this spring, much to the delight of gardeners, volunteers and partners (waiting for confirmation from Eastern Ontario Health Unit). Of course, infectious disease control and physical distancing measures will be in place.
The importance of community gardens for the community
Ivan Labelle, Community Health Agent with CSCE explained the importance of these gardens to the community. “They may be an essential source of food for some but not necessarily for all,” Labelle said. “Anyone in our community can apply for a garden, we don’t ask about income any other personal questions. What a community garden does offer is an opportunity to access fresh produce, but also offer many other benefits: the fresh air, the sun, the physical labour feed the body and soul. The low-level concentration to weed or plant help refocus the mind and forget about others stressors for a while, which helps with mental health.”
Testimony
“I’m so happy in my community garden! At a time when nothing is normal, gardening is therapeutic. It is beautiful to see how sharing occurs between gardeners. What a pleasure it is to receive garlic scapes, lettuce, kale … and advice from other gardeners! Your organization helps people spread and harvest happiness.” Martine, Cornwall
Some of the rules
“Typically beans, carrots, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce. The reason we don’t allow perennials is that is some plants spread,” said Labelle.
Other rules include keeping workspaces clean and for users to but their tools back where they found them. Labelle said that a few new rules were being encouraged because of the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 has added challenges, so we encourage people this year to bring their own tools, wear personal protection, mask, gloves, disinfect surfaces, wash your hands before and after gardening, observe physical distancing, sign the registry, don’t come in if you have symptoms, only registered members are allowed. No visitors,” he said.
Information
There are waiting lists for both gardens every year (Eco Park or Brookdale), but there is frequently turnover as people move in and out. Contact Ivan Labelle at 613-937-3132 ext. 232 for more information ($15 per plot).
COVID-19 information, COVID-19 vaccine, health care and mental health resources for all the family, well-being, leisure, food resources, income, etc.
Click here to consult the resources.
Good for you! Dietitians help you find your healthy
For over 30 years, dietitians have been organizing and implementing the Nutrition Month which is held throughout March. This year the theme “Good for you! Dietitians help you find your healthy” considers the different cultures and traditions while enhancing the client-centered approach from the dietitians.
History
This tradition originally started with a “Nutrition Week”, in the late 1970. They had a campaign with a primary purpose to increase public awareness about the importance of healthy eating all while identifying dietitians as the most credible source when it came to food and nutrition information. With time, the campaign was expanded to a month.
Let a dietitian help YOU find YOUR healthy
This year, dietitians want you to know that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to healthy eating – let us help YOU find YOUR healthy! Find recipes, articles and more at www.NutritionMonth2021.ca.
Do you need help finding your healthy? A CSCE dietitian can help! Learn how at https://www.cscestrie.on.ca/en/programs/nutrition/.
#NutritionMonth #FindYourHealthy
The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) now offers automated appointment reminders via email, SMS or voice.
This service improves office efficiency, reduces missed appointments and increases scheduling capacity for clients who require timely health care services.
Naturally, clients may choose to unsubscribe from this service at any time.