After experiencing a long, challenging journey through the health care system, Ann and Tim Chislett vowed to do whatever they could do ensure others didn't have to suffer through the same difficult path. On Feb.
After experiencing a long, challenging journey through the health care system, Ann and Tim Chislett vowed to do whatever they could do ensure others didn't have to suffer through the same difficult path.
On Feb. 20 the two Bonnyville residents took centre stage at the hospital gala and gave an emotional, heart-felt speech advocating for improved education, awareness and resources around mental health. The Chislett's opened up about tragically losing their son Tyler in 2015 after a two-year struggle through mental illness. The brave speech struck a chord with the audience and motivated over 70 people to contribute a combined $40,000 to the Tyler Chislett education fund in mere minutes.
"I couldn't believe it. We were floored by the outpouring of not just money but the people that came up to us afterwards and had the strength to share their stories," said Chislett. "It was epic. I thought we were alone, and we're not alone."
The Chislett's mission to make a difference and improve mental health care services in the region has inspired an entire community to join forces and combat the problem.
In September of 2015 a mental health steering committee was created by the Bonnyville Health Centre community board with the goal of indentifying the gaps and problems in the mental health care system and creating solutions. The committee has grown to 18 members and consists of representatives from the RCMP, EMS, local school boards, mental health services and Bonnyville Covenant Healthcare Centre.
"We want to increase the mental health services in the community," said Alex Smyl, administrator of the Bonnyville Health Centre. "We have to remove the negativity from mental health."
Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski and the rest of town council has also thrown their support behind the initiative, offering a hand in the attempt to improve services in the region.
"As part of the committee, the town is going to do what we can to try and see if we can bring more of these services into the region. It is something that is absolutely needed," said Sobolewksi.
"The steering committee now has developed some protocols and priorities as too what we need to tackled."
Throughout their journey with Tyler, both Ann and Tim met some amazing physicians that went above and beyond to try and help their son. At the same time they also struggled through ignorance, discrimination and the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
"We utilized facilities in Edmonton and in Cold Lake. We were sent home with no referral for further help. We were told that this was an attention-seeking situation. We were accused of being part of the problem," said Ann.
"We need to stop thinking about the mentally ill as dangerous or attention-seekers."
Through their challenges the Chislett's realized that there was a large gap in the mental health care system, specifically when it came to the health care professionals. Kids and adults calling suicide hotlines or help lines are being told to present themselves to the emergency room, where they are unfortunately met with doctors who aren't properly trained in mental health.
Thanks to the funds donated to the Mental Health Education Fund in memory of Tyler Chislett, physicians at the Bonnyville Health Centre have the resources to get additional training and education around mental health.
This fund will be administered by the Bonnyville Health Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 1997 governed by a local Board of Trustees. Their mandate is to use the funds collected to begin the process of supporting additional mental health education for all health care workers, including AHS and Covenant Health, EMS and the RCMP, to enhance and build upon the knowledge and experience that already exists.
"There is definitely interest from the physicians and the staff to improve," said Chislett. "We are hoping to help close that gap so that when these kids or adults present to the ER or their family doctors they are greeted with people that are properly trained in the area of mental health."
When Ann and Tim kick started the Tyler Chislett education fund they did so hoping to raise about $5,000, or enough to start the process to educate people in Bonnyville around mental health.
"We thought we might be able to bring one or two speakers in within the next year and maybe get some staff sent away to some educational programs," said Ann. "Now we can carry this on for maybe a couple of years and stretch it out so that the education doesn't get forgotten."
"We know that our local health care team wants to make things better in Bonnyville and we heard our community on Saturday night shout out their support for change."
