April 11, 2005 Winnipeg -- The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, along with Réal Cloutier, Vice President of Long Term Care for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and Chief Operating Officer at Deer Lodge Centre, officially opened the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre today. The clinic, funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), opened its doors to clients on September 20, 2004 and provides specialized services to veterans and members of the Canadian Forces (CF) who suffer from operational stress injuries resulting from their military service. Standardized assessment, treatment, prevention and support are provided to serving CF members, Veterans Affairs Canada pensioners, and CF members who suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other operational stress injuries including anxiety, depression, or addiction. Educational programs as well as individual, group, and family counselling are also available. "Veterans and still active members of Canada's military deserve access to comprehensive and integrated mental health care services that meet the highest standard," said Minister Guarnieri. "The Operational Stress Injury clinic at Deer Lodge Centre is an important part of our mandate of care and our commitment to serve those who served Canada." "Clients are able to access a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and clinical social workers, who work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of the CF member," said, Réal Cloutier, of the Deer Lodge Centre. "We are very pleased to be able to provide this important service at Deer Lodge Centre." VAC's OSI clinic at Deer Lodge Centre is part of a national network of treatment clinics which includes: a National OSI Centre at the Department's Ste. Anne's Hospital near Montréal; clinics already established at Parkwood Hospital (London) and La Maison Paul Triquet (Québec); and future clinic sites, including Fredericton and Calgary. Also included in the network are the Department of National Defence's (DND's) five CF Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres located at Halifax, Valcartier, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Esquimalt; and other health professionals involved in the treatment of psychological injuries. These clinics ensure that CF members and veterans receive standardized mental health services and continuous care, whether they are still in uniform or not. Those requiring treatment for PTSD or other operational stress injuries can access it through a referral from either a DND or a VAC medical officer. The network of clinics is one element of a joint VAC/DND mental health strategy which also includes forums to share best practices in assessment and treatment, collaborative research and continuing education opportunities for health care professionals. For more information, visit: www.vac-acc.gc.ca. 2005 is the Year of the Veteran: Celebrate. Honour. Remember. Teach. Thank. Backgrounder - 30 - Media Enquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468 Allison Zegalski Regional Director Prairie Region Veterans Affairs Canada (204) 983-1893 Corey Hobbs Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649 Kevin Scott Director, Community Relations Deer Lodge Centre (204) 831-2120 All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
