INside .. The Douglas College Newsletter | New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus, Surrey Training Centre Retooling mental health care Canadians need a mental health care system that works better. Dr. John Higenbottam is one of those dedicated to ensuring it does. Higenbottam, the Chair of Douglas College’s Psychology department, joins a national team of experts working for the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). Formed by the Federal government last year, the MHCC is charged with revamping all aspects of mental heath care and improving public awareness to alleviate stigmas about mental illness. “I’m excited to be involved in this project. The committee has the ability to bring some major changes to Canada in the field of mental health,” says Higenbottam, who joined the advisory committee reviewing how service systems can be improved. “There is a great need for integrated mental health and substance abuse services, including follow-up provided by Assertive Community ‘Treatment Teams,” says Higenbottam. “The teams work intensively with small numbers of clients. It seems expensive but it’s cost effective because it keeps people out of emergency-care situations. “We must also provide adequate housing, supported employment programs, crisis resources and other services which have demonstrated effectiveness in supporting community living and reducing emergency psychiatric hospitalization.” Changes would help prevent people slipping through the cracks. “There are major challenges presented by fragmented, inaccessible services which often have little demonstrated effectiveness in supporting recovery. In the Downtown Eastside, for example, we see the consequences of not providing adequate support and services.” Higenbottam speaks from extensive experience. A clinical psychologist, he has served in senior administrative positions at Riverview Hospital and IN Douglas College Dr. John Higenbottam, Chair of the Douglas College Psychology Department, is looking for answers with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre. Creation of the MHCC was a major recommendation of a Standing Senate Committee report on mental health care entitled Out of the Shadows at Last. Looking ahead, Higenbottam is optimistic the — running. An early priority commission’s work will make _ for our advisory committee a difference for the one-in-five is a national mental health Canadians expected to have housing strategy and that’s some level of mental illness in important, because without their lifetime. housing you don’t have a anything.” “Things are already up and Showcase your program at the Education Fair encarta ~ ~ > PRRIQQK Ss =) hy Man “Vs A ee wa 9 1 Physics and Astronomy Instructor Jennifer Kirkey will take a hands-on approach to showing off what science is all about at the Education Fair on May 1. Get green and win groovy prizes If you are an environmentally conscious soul with a competitive streak then be sure to take part in Douglas College’s first t100-Day Eco- Challenge. It runs to June 25 and is open to students and employees. Completing just 50 of 100 activities or initiatives will help improve the environment and win you a prize. A flyer with an entry form and listing of green activities is available in the Concourse and Student Union Building at NWC and in the Atrium and Student Union Office at DLC. Have you heard the Education Fair is coming? It’s a terrific opportunity for all programs and services at Douglas College to demonstrate and promote what we offer to prospective students. With more than 100,000 invitations going out, organizers expect high school and post secondary students, families and guests of all ages to come to the David Lam Campus to experience educational and entertaining displays showcasing what Douglas College has to offer. Physics and Astronomy instructor Jennifer Kirkey promises an assortment of toys and hands-on activities that will help illustrate what physics is and the tools physicists and astronomers use. Displays include a solar telescope that will give visitors a safe look at the sun. Meanwhile, the Therapeutic Recreation department will show visitors how to promote their own health through leisure lifestyle assessments, creative visualizations and mask making. All programs and services based at the David Lam Campus are participating in the fair and everyone from New Westminster Campus is encouraged to take part on May 1. The Education Fair runs noon-8pm. ‘The event was initiated by the faculty and administrators, is Environmental Sustainability ‘Task Force (ESTF) chaired by College President Susan Witter. The task force, made up of students, staff, considering short and long- term initiatives for raising awareness and expanding existing environmental initiatives at the College.