Tackling waitlists to improve access to support

As a part of a CIHR grant, the province of New Brunswick embarked on the implementation of SC2.0 in 2019. The provincial implementation began with implementing OAAT across the province. The impacts were evident. With decreased waitlists and both positive client and provider feedback, the province of New Brunswick is well on their way to creating a person-centric open-access mental health, addictions and substance use health system.

Today we are joined by Bernie Goguen, the Director of Adult Services at New Brunswick’s Department of Health where he is working on various projects focused on improving the continuum of care in Addiction and Mental Health Services.  Bernie is a psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping individuals with substance use and mental health issues. He is a graduate of Saint Thomas and Carleton Universities and worked for several years in Provincial and Federal correctional services. He has held various management positions with Horizon Health Network’s Addiction and Mental Health Services, including a Detoxification Treatment Unit, an Opioid Replacement Treatment Program and Community Mental Health Services.