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Donna Cripps
Chief Executive Officer
Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) LHIN
149 Hartzel Road
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 1N6

Dear Ms. Cripps,

We are writing in support of the Healthcare First proposal for improving equity and access to healthcare in the Niagara region for people who are experiencing or who have experienced homelessness.

In partnership with the Health and Equity through Advocacy, Research, and Theatre (HEART) program, based out of McMaster University, and the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network (NPRN) we endorse the ‘patient-centered’ health policy recommendations that were generated by representatives of our community’s most vulnerable individuals.

In 2016, the HEART project produced much-needed evidence of barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness when attempting to access healthcare in the Niagara region, especially with regard to services at hospitals. Impressively, through a ‘legislative theatre’ session facilitated by government, health, and social services representatives from the Niagara region, community members discussed, debated, and voted to ‘pass’ new policies that they believe would help to address the issues that they encounter on a daily basis.

We have reviewed these policies as contained in the Healthcare First report, and given due consideration to the suggestions. As per the report, we recommend that the HNHB LHIN, in partnership with stakeholders who provide services to individuals experiencing mental health and housing challenges, pursue the following:

● Create a pilot program offering dedicated triage in Niagara Health emergency departments with specialized services and peer support for patients with mental health concerns.
○ A dedicated triage and ‘wrap around’ services in the emergency department for mental health concerns has the potential to improve patient care while improving emergency department function, reducing admissions, facilitating earlier discharge, improving continuity of care within the community upon discharge, and reducing workload for staff.

● Develop a comprehensive strategy that is aimed to improve interactions with people who are experiencing homelessness.
○ A comprehensive strategy, including cultural competency, sensitivity, and safety training specific to mental health, homelessness, and poverty, as well as incorporating human resources policy, could offer an effective means of improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for vulnerable community members.

We believe that these policies can reduce the burden on the healthcare system and the negative experiences and discrimination experienced by people struggling with housing and mental health. We are calling on the HNHB LHIN to play an important role in influencing and mobilizing various community agencies to work collectively to improve the health and social outcomes for individuals who are homeless.

The Healthcare First proposal will improve equity and access to healthcare in the Niagara region, and we wholeheartedly support the implementation and evaluation of these ‘patient-centered’ health policies.

Thank you,
The Undersigned

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