Solcz Family Foundation Makes Transformational Donation to Support Virtual Care Solution for Those Experiencing Substance Use Disorders
November 6, 2019
Windsor, ON -- Today, as a result of a transformational $350,000 donation made by the Solcz Family Foundation to the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Changing Lives Together Foundation, HDGH and the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) announced the future availability of Breaking Free™ Online, a virtual care solution for those experiencing substance use disorder in Windsor-Essex.
"As a funder, one of the biggest responsibilities we have is to educate ourselves on the issues facing our community so we are able to determine exactly where our funds can best serve the population. Substance use disorder has been a significant concern for the local community, so we've made it part of our focus to fund organizations who are leading initiatives to tackle this issue," explains Kyrsten Solcz, Executive Director of the Solcz Foundation. "This virtual care solution will be transformative for our community and will positively impact lives. The Solcz Family Foundation is proud to partner with the HDGH Changing Lives Together Foundation, and OTN to bring this resource to the Windsor-Essex community."
Breaking Free™ Online will be available in 2020 to clients of HDGH, with the roll out to local service providers following this launch. The tool can assist with early intervention, prevention, or rehabilitation, using electronic behaviour management programs, eliminating the need to attend in-person sessions. Addiction service providers can integrate Breaking Free™ Online as part of their client's overall treatment and be involved through their own online dashboards.
"This program will provide clients and their providers tools for self-directed treatment. This is not to say that we will rely solely on the clients directing their care, instead, this solution can and will be used in conjunction with clinical support," explains Janice Kaffer, President and CEO of HDGH. "Part of our work here at HDGH is ensuring that our clients and patients are active members of their care and this solution is one more step in the right direction."
People who use Breaking Free™ Online can obtain a powerful toolkit of psychoeducation, practical resources and positive coping skills to support their long-term recovery. They have the ability to reduce substance consumption and substance dependence, improve mental health and quality of life, and increase resilience and self efficacy.
HDGH and OTN have partnered together to begin the work of rolling out Breaking Free™ Online. "A plan is being established to connect with healthcare service providers and the community to implement the solution in the Windsor-Essex region through a phased approach," says Laurie Poole, Vice President of Clinical Innovation at OTN. "After the tool is successfully integrated at HDGH next April, we will bring in other community partners as early adopters. The final phase involves scaling the program in the entire region by offering it directly to the residents of Windsor-Essex."