Скачать или смотреть Evolving Mental Health Care at The Royal

In this presentation, Cara Vaccarino, President and CEO of The Royal Mental Health Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, introduces the hospital’s new three-year strategic plan, “SPARQ!,” focused on Sustainability, People, Access, Research, and Quality. She outlines key priorities including improved staff wellbeing, the introduction of a regional electronic health record system (EPIC), and the opening of a new urgent care service to address growing mental health needs. Speaking from her background as a frontline clinician and social worker, she highlights the urgent need for better care for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), who are often underserved and stigmatized. She announces the upcoming launch of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program at The Royal within the next 6–9 months, an initiative modeled on successful programs in Montréal and Toronto.

Leticia Hardowar, Family Engagement Coordinator at The Royal, highlights several key services available to the community at large, including the Client and Family Resource Hub, family peer support, and a dedicated library for mental health information. She coordinates Family Information Groups and workshops such as LEAP and Emotion Coaching to help families build skills and stronger relationships with loved ones. She also sends out a monthly newsletter about everything that's going on at the Royal as well as other community events. Her focus is on improving access, communication, and support for families navigating mental health challenges.

Shona Fleming and N’nerjie I.P., family peer supporters at The Royal, share insights from their pilot program supporting caregivers of loved ones with mental illness. Through six-week peer support groups, monthly drop-in “booster” sessions, and one-on-one meetings, they provide a compassionate space grounded in lived experience. Participants consistently report feeling less alone, gaining communication tools, and building community. For more info or to join a future group, families can contact [email protected].

This presentation is part of the Ottawa Network for Borderline Personality Disorder public lecture series and was recorded on June 19, 2025.