Saturday, December 4, 2021

CLAC Mental Health and Substance Use Dependency Support Initiatives

CLAC provides members with access to three support systems to help with mental health or addiction challenges.

1. Substance Abuse Case Management Program (SACM) – CLAC employs in-house substance abuse experts to assist members who have expressed a desire to overcome addictions or dependency issues. That team, after first contact, then uses third-party support (CannAmm) to diagnose the severity of a dependency, and to develop a care plan. CLAC staff then work with the member to find a local community care provider for sustained care, and, when appropriate, to source a residential treatment centre.

CLAC also provides eligible members who are using this service with up to $2,000 for treatment centre costs, and then works with the member with a posttreatment care plan, often remaining in touch for up to a year afterward. We curate a network of substance abuse professionals and residential treatment centres across the country so that we can assist members with finding the right experts for their situation and at a location that is appropriate for them. When appropriate, and with the member’s permission, we also offer compliance and monitoring support as a means to help workers reintegrate into the workplace.

2. Mental Health First Aid – Since 2019, CLAC has been providing this two-day certification program that’s credentialed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada at no charge to CLAC members. We strongly encourage the program for health and safety worker representatives and union stewards. This program equips learners with the ability to identify

• the most common mental health illnesses and crises, including identifying signs and symptoms of these illnesses;

• the steps to support an individual having a mental health crisis;

• effective interventions and treatments for mental illness; and

• how to help a person experiencing a mental health crisis to get the professional help they need.

3. LifeWorks – This is an employee family and assistance program (EFAP). Throughout the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, CLAC offered this program to all members, regardless of whether they participated in a CLAC benefits plan. This is a critical offering and it’s available 24/7 for crisis intervention, including for addiction and dependency issues.

LifeWorks provides initial intake and referral to an appropriate care provider based on the need and location of the member, and with up to six sessions of direct counselling by a professional with the expertise for the challenge faced by the member. Members or their families requiring additional support are assisted by the EFAP in finding longer term support, the cost of which is often borne by/mitigated by CLAC health insurance.

In addition to these three support initiatives, CLAC offers an annual award to celebrate a member who has successfully completed a treatment program. Details about the inspiration and the genesis for that award are found in the video at this link Matthew Manuel Memorial Award.

CLAC also regularly leverages its communication tools (national magazine, blog, member newsletters, membership meetings) to address the stigmatization of people with mental health or dependency challenges, and as a means to encourage members in need of help to reach out. Here are five articles to check out on Your Voice.

1. “I’m Okay”

An encounter with a worker on the front lines of the pandemic highlights the need for greater emphasis on the mental health of Canadians.

2. Light up the Darkness

Opioid use and abuse is on the rise, hiding in the shadows of many workplaces and relationships. But until those struggling, and those close to them, admit there is a problem, people will continue to die.

3. Symbol of Sobriety

From struggling with substance use to successfully sober, a Local 68 member shares his story.

4. The Next Chapter: Scottie's Story

Scottie is the 2020 winner of CLAC’s Matthew Manuel Memorial Award. CLAC awards this annual scholarship of $1,000 to a member who successfully completes a treatment program and is maintaining a clean and sober life.

5. When It Hurts

Struggling with a mental health challenge is hard enough. What do you do when your employer makes it worse?

CLAC Mental Health and Substance Use Dependency Support Initiatives

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