Camrose Adult Mental Health Hub

Kari Cameron, Erin Suyker, Jaimie Griffiths, Kelley Bauer, Kevin Krebs, Michelle Mazurenko, Paige Mitchell, Sandra Daniel, Carley Dolan, Kristie Soanes, Aaron Johnston

Camrose Adult Mental Health Hub (CAMHH), based out of St. Mary’s Hospital, is a client-focused approach to considering the holistic needs of each client case discussed. Not only does the CAMHH take into consideration the mental illness or distress that is needing to be addressed, but members also consider other components such as housing, income support, employment, medication, and social supports.

CAMHH seeks input from a variety of community agencies, which allows for team collaboration, identification of roles and abilities, as well as efficient and effective implementation. For example, CAMHH helped a client with complex comorbidities and cognitive impairments that had several interactions with the emergency department and police. Through collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach, the client has had significant reductions in emergency visits and interactions with police. With teamwork and input from each agency, this client is successfully supported exclusively within the community.

This community offers valuable services, but there can be gaps in such services. Through this program, many gaps have been addressed. Most recently, CAMHH has been working with the local university to identify ways that mental health supports can be provided to the students.