Superior Model Website Official Launch — Superior Mental Health Resource Available Online
- Screencapture of the SuperiorModel.ca website’s home page.
MARATHON, ON – The World Health Organization’s characterization of mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder, rather it is, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
Accessing mental health information in Thunder Bay and the communities within the Superior-Greenstone District School Board (DSB) area has just become much easier for students, parents and mental health professionals with the launch of the Superior Model website. In a ceremony and demonstration, held on September 30, 2011, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit launched the Superior Model as www.superiormodel.ca. The website was developed by Student Support Leadership partners in Superior Greenstone and Thunder Bay with their data partner, 211 Ontario North.
The Superior Model promotes and supports the positive behaviour, well-being and mental health of all children and youth in our communities in order to maximize their full potential, success and achievement. The portal initiative has a goal of developing leadership within and across school boards and community agencies to establish or enhance local partnerships that better meet the needs of students through collaborative planning, coordination and referrals.
“We often see students who are in need of more than just academic support to succeed during their educational journey,” says Cathi Siemieniuk, Lakehead DSB Director of Education. “The Superior Model website is intended to provide a focused search for programs, services and resources in local communities that support the mental health of children and youth.”
Numerous mental health focused resources and options are available to site visitors throughout the Superior Model website. Information on over 200 community agencies and programs can be found in the Services and Program Listing section. Links for more information and to other mental health resources are also available.
“One of the most unique features available on the site is the ability for visitors to find the most appropriate information based on their needs and location,” says David Tamblyn, Director of Education for Superior Greenstone DSB.
Visitors to the site can search for specific service levels in the prevention, support, treatment and crisis area. Services offered by a number of community partners are provided depending on the needs of the specific request for information. For example, a visitor choosing “prevention” is taken to a page with numerous options including access to further refine a search to the type of service being sought, the age range of the individual in need of service and their area of residence. The search results provide options for mental health services provided by local service providers. If a program or service is unavailable, visitors can contact 211 Ontario North by dialing 2-1-1 or going to its website at www.211ontarionorth.ca.
“The design of the website allows the user to find the best possible services needed to fit the needs and location of the individual requiring assistance,” says Bastian DePeuter, Executive Director North of Superior Counseling Programs. “The true strength of this initiative is in the partnership that has developed this website and other efforts to address children’s mental health issues.”
Partners in the Student Support Leadership Initiative in Superior Greenstone and Thunder Bay include:
- The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
- Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
- Dilico Anishinabeck Family Care
- Greenstone Family Health Team
- Lakehead Public Schools
- Marathon Family Health Team
- North of Superior Counseling Programs
- North Shore Family Health Team
- St. Joseph’s Care Group
- Superior-Greenstone District School Board
- Superior North Catholic District School Board
- Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board
- Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Superior Model is an initiative of the Student Support Leadership Initiative (SSLI), a joint initiative developed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of Education. The SSLI was created in response to changes to the Safe Schools provisions of the Education Act. In 2008, boards of education and school authorities were encouraged to form and enhance local partnerships to coordinate services between education, children and youth and health partners.
For more information please visit the Superior Model website at www.superiormodel.ca or by e-mail at info@superiormodel.ca.
