A CMHA registered nurse, part of the Lambton OPP Mobile Crisis Response Team, is photographed in Point Edward. 2021 Photo courtesy of Lambton OPPA CMHA registered nurse, part of the Lambton OPP Mobile Crisis Response Team, is photographed in Point Edward. 2021 Photo courtesy of Lambton OPP
Sarnia

Local CMHA receives highest designation from Accreditation Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Lambton-Kent has received the highest accreditation possible, for a third straight time.

Accreditation Canada evaluated CMHA on hundreds of criteria and the organization scored a 99 per cent compliance rating.

As a result, CMHA is designated as "Accredited with Exemplary Standing" for the next four years.

Fund Development Manager Andria Appeldoorn said they were cited for their culture of quality improvement within the organization.

"They commended us for our pandemic resilience, our commitment to client safety, and some of the really innovative work that we've done with our partners," said Appeldoorn. "So, we have an Indigenous community of practice, we have incredibly skilled and professional employees within the organization, and we're really committed to client-centered care."

Appeldoorn said the rating helps CMHA identify additional opportunities for improvement.

"Part of this is being an organization that is always looking to better ourselves in how we deliver care for our clients and communities that we serve," she said. "So, this gives us an opportunity to really do a deep dive into every aspect of our organization and determine what we're doing well, and areas where were can spread our community improvement initiatives."

Accreditation Canada conducted a thorough review of every aspect of the organization.

It included client impact interviews, staff surveys and detailed policy and procedure assessments.

CMHA continues to explore ways to further enhance access to care in working with police partners.

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