News from CAMH
CrossCurrents
CAMH welcomes Judith Tompkins - Chief of Nursing
Judith Tompkins joined CAMH in January as our new chief of Nursing, replacing Georgi Beal, who retired in December. Judith has worked in the field of addiction and mental health for over 30
years. Most recently, she was regional director of Mental Health and Addictions with the Niagara Health System and held an
adjunct position with the School of Nursing at Brock University in St. Catharines. Judith has also been regional director
of Mental Health Services for the cities of Vancouver and Richmond Health Board. Judith brings much experience in promoting
consumer/family participation and best practice standards and developing greater systems integration between community and
hospital partners. Welcome Judith!
Technology reaches adults with developmental disabilities in remote areas
Surrey Place Centre and CAMH are teaming up to provide access to specialized health services for people with developmental
disabilities living in remote northern communities. Through video-conferencing technology, clients and staff at agencies in
the north can arrange assessment and consultation sessions with clinical staff at Surrey Place Centre or CAMH. In addition
to offering clinical services, the project provides opportunities for education and training, including a certificate program
in dual diagnosis offered through the Griffin Centre and George Brown College, both in Toronto. The two-year pilot project
is an initiative of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Creative partnership with Tafelmusik
The Workman Theatre Project commissioned nine paintings that were displayed at Tafelmusik's "Metamorphosis: From Myth to Music" in its home venue of
Trinity-St. Paul's Centre. The partnership was part of Toronto's Metamorphosis Festival in February, which celebrates transformation
and the arts, inspired by Ovid's stories of Metamorphoses. The exhibit of client art is moving to Todmorden Mills and then
to the Lieutenant Governor's Suite at Queen's Park in the fall.
Farewell
On a personal note, it has been my pleasure to bring you the "News from CAMH" column for the past five years. This is my last
column, as I am leaving CAMH. David Goldbloom, executive editor of CrossCurrents, will be offering his insights in my place.
Christa Haanstra
Centre for Addiction
