Darryl Mathers

It is heartbreaking to monitor social media when a patient from Ontario Shores goes missing and the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) post a media release in an effort to inform the public and safely return the individual to hospital. I understand why the public must be alerted and the responsibility DRPS has to both transparency and community safety. However, when a patient does go missing and news enters the social media community, I am profoundly frustrated and disappointed by the reaction of many.

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) will turn 100 years old on Wednesday, October 23 and we are celebrating with a host of planned activities. Over the last 12 months Ontario Shores has been in celebration mode thanks to the efforts of our Ambassadors of Hope, six individuals with a connection to mental health and our organization who have been attending events, conducting interviews and producing videos in recognition of this historical milestone.

For centuries society has affixed names and used labels that have created divisiveness, promoted discrimination and cast shame on things we don’t quite understand. Whether it is equality, gay rights, race issues or complicated health issues, decades have been dedicated to education and building understanding with the hope of creating a world that is accepting of all.