Each year the North Battleford branch of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan recognizes those who have a positive impact on those living with mental illness and in promoting mental health awareness in the community.
Those individuals were recognized at the Champions of Mental Health Awards Banquet at the Dekker Centre May 9.
Pauline Hood was the recipient of a Mental Health Employee Award. She has worked as outpatient receptionist at Battlefords Mental Health Centre for more than 25 years.
Hood was recognized for her friendly smile and ability to maintain order in a crisis situation. Presenter Judy Lavoie said her “calm, caring and efficient demeanour is both reassuring and comforting to those who are distressed, confused, worried or frightened. She seems to have a sense to know just what to say, and how to handle any situation.”
Wendy Childerhose was also presented a Mental Health Employee Award. She is executive director of the Edwards Society, a group home for those living with mental illness.
In her presentation to Childerhouse, Lucy Bendall called her an “exceptional role model and caring individual.” Among the comments from clients about Childerhose were the following: “Wendy is gentle and caring, she allows me a nice place to listen to my music, go for walks and go places. She is always there for me, or anybody who needs her. You would think anyone in her position would be too busy, but she never is if you need her.”
The Community Champion award was presented by Linda Shynkaruk to Millie Blixrud, also known as Millie the Cab Driver. She worked in several capacities at Saskatchewan Hospital including as a care aide, but for the last number of years has driven cab in the community, a job in which Shynkaruk said Blixrud “continued to spread her kindness and heartfulness.”
She was described by nominators — former SHNB patients — as helpful and kind, even unloading grocery purchases. In fact the clients said they specifically ask for Millie in requesting a cab “because she’s so good to us.”
A third Mental Health Employee Award was presented by Amanda Rowley and Johann Engelke to Judy Jones, who is usually the first face a patient sees before being admitted to Saskatchewan Hospital.
Rowley said of Jones that her “commitment to patient care is inspirational. She has devoted her entire career to helping the most vulnerable from those on the streets to those in the hospital. Judy ensures that every patient has their needs met and never abandons them.”
Finally, a special presentation was made by Carol Funk to mental health employee Carmel Engelke.
Her nomination was submitted by a patient, who suffered from borderline personality disorder and depression. The patient praised Engelke for being “always positive and hopeful with me.” When she sought to move into an approved home Engelke took her on as her client and worked on it.
“She always had hope for me, she was so proud of my decision, my life has totally changed for the better,” the nominator stated, adding she now has a job and has done a course at Career Connections. “ I actually have a life now, all thanks to Carmel Engelke.”
