Suicide prevention program at OSMH garners national recognition

(Orillia, ON) A year-long initiative that focused on enhancing suicide prevention education for non-clinical team members across Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is being recognized with a HIROC Cultivate Safety Grant.  The Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC) has been presenting the awards to support subscriber’s innovation to patient and team safety since 2018.

“As one of a select number of organizations across the country chosen for this recognition, OSMH demonstrated leadership in addressing a critical area of patient safety: suicide prevention within healthcare settings,” said Rebecca Liebau, OSMH Director of Mental Health and Critical Care Services.

The project equipped team members—especially those who are often the first point of contact, such as security, registration, and environmental services—with practical skills and confidence through Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), an internationally recognized, evidence-based program.

“The training created a shared understanding of how every interaction matters in moments of crisis,” said Joice Antony, OSMH Emergency Department Manager.

“Team members reported increased confidence in recognizing warning signs, using supportive communication, and working collaboratively with clinical colleagues to ensure patient safety.”

Beyond individual learning, the initiative strengthened trust and communication across roles and departments, contributing to a safer and more connected hospital environment.  Insights from the project are already informing OSMH’s broader suicide prevention strategy, including the rollout of universal suicide-risk screening across all inpatient units in late 2025 and outpatient clinics in early 2026.

This national recognition underscores OSMH’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, psychological safety, and compassionate care.   For the community, it’s a proud reminder that their local hospital is leading change on a national stage—building a culture where every team member is empowered to make a difference when it matters most.

Photo:  OSMH team members share information during Suicide Prevention Month – Jennifer Whiston, Clinical Support Worker (CSW), Community Mental Health Services (CMHS); Joice Antony, Emergency Department Manager; Tera Lynn Moreau, CSW, CMHS;  Tammy Deschambault CSW,CMHS; Brittany Hill, Supervisor of CMHS,  Aaron Wigle, Manager, Mental Health Services; Rebecca Liebau, Director, Mental Health Services and Critical Care