Support Services Program Receives Health Award

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A program founded in Grey-Bruce in 2021 to help residents of a housing complex that was going through a COVID-19 outbreak has been recognized with a new award.

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The Support Services (SOS) program has been awarded the Ontario Health System Quality and Innovation Award for its success in improving the health of marginalized people in the region. A newly created awards program recognizes the achievements of individuals and teams in Ontario’s health care system.

The SOS program received the award for improved population health.

“Ontario faces numerous health care challenges, including the opioid crisis, mental health issues and homelessness, and chronic disease,” Kevin McNab, director of Paramedic Services for Gray County and co-director of the SOS program, said in a news release. “SOS is addressing these rural challenges with strategic, patient-centered interventions that are effectively helping patients who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare in the traditional way.”

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The SOS program dates back to June 2021 when a rooming house in Hanover was struggling with a major COVID-19 outbreak. Dozens of residents, many struggling with mental health and addictions, had to self-isolate and were unable to leave, so various local agencies and health organizations worked together to help, treat and care for them locally.

The program has continued with a variety of partners, including drug addicts, Brightshores Health System, Canadian Mental Health Association Gray Bruce, Gray County Paramedics, United Way of Bruce Grey, Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort and the Salvation Army. They are supported by several partner agencies including Gray Bruce Public Health, family health teams, local authorities, the police, housing and social services and charities.

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The mobile team consists of a paramedic, a nurse, two mental health counselors and a social guide.

Between February 2022 and June 2024, the program has had nearly 4,000 interactions, providing 12,000 services, from meals to medical interventions and referrals.

The program currently holds clinics weekly in Owen Sound, twice weekly in Hanover and monthly in Meaford.

United Way Executive Director and SOS Board Chair Francesca Dobbyn said the program has revolutionized the way society’s most vulnerable citizens are supported.

“This is a revolutionary initiative that provides not only immediate medical care but also long-term support and hope,” Dobbyn said in the release. “This innovative program isn’t just changing lives, it’s saving them.”

“It serves as a model of compassion and efficiency for communities across the province, demonstrating how personalized, responsive care can transform the landscape of public health and safety.”

Information and a video about the SOS program can be found at unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/sos-helps

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