#MyBestMoments Campaign - Janelle Hannon, Opioid Patient Navigator

In our #MyBestMoments campaign staff and physicians from across our hospitals and community sites share the moments that have mattered most to them in their careers at Lakeridge Health. Read Janelle's story below. 

As the Opioid Patient Navigator at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa Hospital, I support patients struggling with their opioid addiction regardless of their current substance use goals. This support can range from offering someone a warm coat to providing information on their options and offering community linkages. I also assist the medical team by preparing information on the patient's substance use history, use of opioid agonist therapy (OAT), and current medical needs.

I work with a team of dedicated clinicians, including our addiction medicine physician and Registered Nurse, inpatient Nurse Practitioners, and other health-care professionals from Durham Mental Health Services, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Pinewood Centre. Together, we provide care and resources to assist clients in successfully transitioning from hospital to the community.

My passion for providing support to this population was born when I completed my degree in public health. I worked as a research assistant on a study that examined the factors putting singles at risk of homelessness in the Durham Region. It was shocking to learn that addiction and mental health were the leading causes of homelessness. This led me to do a deep reflection on my positionality, privilege, and community.

It was then that I decided to begin my career in supporting those with substance use and mental health conditions. This provoked my interest to further complete a graduate certificate in Addiction and Mental Health and eventually a Master of Social Work. Although we are continuously being educated on the explicit and implicit stigma those with opioid addiction face, unfortunately it is still pervasive within society. The need for non-judgemental, compassionate, and trauma-informed interventions is reflected in my role as I provide this education in casual conversations, meetings, and presentations.

While building rapport and trust with patients can be challenging at times, it brings me immense joy when they recognize I am an ally. That at one of the grimmest periods in their life, they are not alone. I envision a world where people are not shamed for their mental health or addictions, but instead greeted with a warm embrace and "How can I help?" Until then, I strive to do my part as a friend, a neighbour, and clinician.