Local Projects - Michael Piercy

Local Projects Listing for CAMH Program Consultant - Michael Piercy, Quinte West Office

Harm Reduction and Health Promotion

Michael is one of the founding members of a community coalition entitled Injection Drug Use Harm Reduction Task Force.  This group started in 1998 and has provided direction for the community in terms of Harm Reduction perspectives and the issues of injection drug use.  The Task Force first began the local needle exchange sites within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties and with the local Health Unit’s adoption of the program there were over 65,000 clean injection kits distributed in 2008 by the 14 needle exchange sites.  The Task Force is composed of a diversity of member agencies which assist in the development of the annual educational event that focuses on Harm Reduction theory and its practical application.

 

Alcohol and Drug Related Birth Defects

Michael is responsible for the CAMH ADRBD (Alcohol & Drug Related Birth Defects) Watching Brief which focuses on fetal development and the effect of various psychoactive substances consumed by the mother during pregnancy and lactation.  He is assisting community groups and individuals around the province with educational presentations and case conferences.  He responds to numerous inquiries for information and provides direction for publications on the topic.  The major focus of the work is concentrated on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

 

Integrated Health Care System

Michael continues to work with local Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Quinte Health Care Corporation, and other organizations who are members of the Rural Health Sciences Network in identifying gaps in service and potential integration issues in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties..  With the current emphasis on mental health and addictions issues outlined in the South East LHIN planning documents, Michael’s focus within the RHSN is to advocate for the inclusion of mental health and addictions components into the development of a cohesive/integrated approach to health care services within the geographical area.  Another component of this work is to foster a framework of professional and personal linkages between a wide variety of health care and social service agencies, with the goal of providing addiction and mental health training / educational opportunities for staff .  This work has been within the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties’ catchment area.

Contact Michael Piercy

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