Patient Story: Jada’s mission to empower mental health and addictions care

Jada Carter understands the value of having quality mental health and addictions services in our community. After her own battle with drug addiction and homelessness throughout her life, Jada found herself accessing care in the Addictions Medicine Unit (AMU) at Health Sciences North (HSN) and now uses her experience and learnings to help others in similar situations as her own.

Upon admission into the AMU in 2021, Jada felt support from addiction workers, social workers, psychiatrists, and staff helping her through her recovery journey. She has since joined the AMU team as a Peer Consultant, collecting surveys and feedback and sitting on committees, but most importantly, helping others access the vital care they need and empowering their voice in what they want to see in their care.

“People are coming in dire states, and I need to make sure – and we in the AMU want to make sure – that people feel comfortable accessing healthcare and we are meeting them where they are,” said Jada. “I had a nurse that worked with addiction, and she understood, and that’s what gave me hope and started to help me through my journey. People open up to me a lot more since I understand what they are going through. If I can make someone comfortable sharing their stories and struggles with me while getting the help they need, then I know I am doing the right thing.”

Pleased with how far the AMU has come since its opening in March 2021, Jada is optimistic about the future of mental health and addictions medicine in the Northeast. She hopes that with the continued support from our donors and community, we can reduce the stigma around mental health and addictions and continue to provide exceptional care to patients across Northeastern Ontario.