July 23rd, 2020
On behalf of the individuals supported by Reena and their families, the Boards and staff of Reena, Reena Foundation, Batay Reena and Chai Tikvah (Reena group of charities) we want to congratulate Bryan Keshen, our President and CEO, as well as the other members of the Western York Region Ontario Health Team Collaborative for being recognized and certified by the province.
The Western York Region Ontario Health Team is one of five new Ontario Health Teams being established across the province at this time. Ontario Health Teams bring together health care providers to work as one team to improve patient outcomes.
“The announcement and endorsements today of the Western York Region Ontario Health Team (OHT) represents a promise to the residents in western York region to deliver an integrated approach to wellness and health”, says Bryan Keshen. “It is a promise to enhance wellness through a collaborative support model. The challenges and experiences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the integrative nature of community health. Today the founding collaborative members look forward to not only continuing to work together, but to work with other providers in health, social services and other sectors to enhance the health and well-being of our community.”
L-R front row:
Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health, Gila Martow, MPP for Thornhill, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge, Bryan Keshen, Co-Chair, WYROHT and President and CEO of Reena, Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill
“This is the first Ontario Health Team co-chaired by a Director of a Developmental Services Agency, and the opportunity to improve the Health and well-being outcomes in a multisector approach is tremendous,” stated Jeff Bernstein, Chair of Reena Board. Joining Jeff on this comment were Harold Seidel, Batay Reena, and Steve Justein, Chair of Reena Foundation. All are founding members of Reena Community Services Canada, encompassing the Reena group of charities.
“More than ever we need leadership in health that reaches out further with a person-centred approach. The Western York Region OHT including Reena as a lead partner will improve the lives of some of the most at risk and vulnerable populations” explained Charles Chee, Chair Reena strategic planning committee.
Today’s announcement from the Ministry of Health stated:
“In support of the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and as part of the province’s plan to end hallway health care, the Ontario government is announcing a new Ontario Health Team serving Vaughan, King, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and surrounding communities and is providing additional funding to better connect care.
“Over the past several months, Ontario Health Teams have demonstrated remarkable responsiveness to the COVID-19 outbreak by simplifying the purchase of personal protective equipment, supporting the staffing of long-term care homes and assessment centers and expanding virtual care options,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “They’ve done so by breaking down long-standing barriers to better connect care, both in support of patients and our brave frontline heroes. Today’s announcement of a new Ontario Health Team in western York Region will build on this success as we continue to implement our plan to defeat COVID-19.”
The Western York Region OHT will serve Vaughan, Richmond Hill, King and the surrounding areas. Patients will continue to have a choice in their health care provider, while benefitting from greater access to care and support from a broader network of health and social support organizations.
Members of the Western York Region Ontario Health Team include:
- CHATS-Community & Home Assistance to Seniors
- Health 1st Medical Centre
- Hill House Hospice
- Hospice Vaughan
- Mackenzie Health
- Reena
- SE Health
- Thornhill Village Family Health Organization
- UniversalCare
- Vaughan Community Health Centre
- Woodbridge Medical Centre Family Health Team
About Reena – Reena promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values. Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions.
Since that time, Reena has grown to provide support for 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Media Contact:
- Bryan Keshen, President and CEO, Reena
- Sharon Magor, Manager Marketing and Communications, Reena
