Inaugural national award goes to a Network team
Bathurst, January 9, 2020 – The team of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Centre of Excellence of Vitalité Health Network is the inaugural recipient of the Claudette Bradshaw Innovation Award. This recognition, offered by the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD), highlights the efforts of Canadian individuals and organizations employing innovative approaches to improve the lives of people with FASD.
The innovative model in question that garnered this great honour for the New Brunswick team is the “Dreamcatcher” service delivery model developed in partnership with First Nations’ communities. This model gives caregivers a framework to customize their resources and support to each individual. It not only factors in an individual’s skills and needs but also their support system.
“This is a person-centred, holistic practice guaranteeing that indigenous clients with FASD will receive support services throughout their lives and that their support networks will be involved,” explained Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, the leader of this initiative, Regional Chief of Staff, and Chairperson of the Regional Medical Advisory Committee.
Vitalité Health Network congratulates Dr. LeBlanc and her team for obtaining this prestigious national award. “I am very proud of the accomplishments of Dr. LeBlanc and her colleagues. These accomplishments demonstrate that we are continuing to pursue our strategic objectives in a concrete manner, which includes promoting a culture of excellence,” explained Gilles Lanteigne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vitalité Health Network.
The award is named after Claudette Bradshaw, a former Member of Parliament, a champion of the cause of women living in poverty, and one of the first activists to tackle the issue of prenatal exposure to alcohol. This award recognizes Ms. Bradshaw’s dedication and influence in relation to FASD and to raising awareness of, and leading the fight against, homelessness.
From left to right: Maria DesRoches, Regional Coordinator, NB FASD Centre of Excellence; Claudette Bradshaw; Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, Regional Chief of Staff, Vitalité Health Network, and Medical Director, NB FASD Centre of Excellence; Annette Cormier, Manager, NB FASD Centre of Excellence; Noel Milliea, Elder, from Elsipogtog First Nation; Nadine Cormier, Regional Community Coordinator, NB FASD Centre of Excellence; and Melissa Bonenfant, Administrative Assistant, NB FASD Centre of Excellence.
