Daily Media Digest May 12, 2021

Pandemic public washroom closures a critical issue for people with IBD, those experiencing homelessness
CTV News
“For many people, going for a walk is one of the most reliable ways to get some fresh air and alleviate stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. But for people like Claudia Tersigni, the closure of public washrooms during lockdowns has made leaving the house even to go to the park a struggle.”
TAGS: pandemic, accessibility, IBD, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada

‘Asian Initiative in Mental Health’ offers culturally-relevant mental health approach
CityNews
“One place offering culturally-sensitive and relevant supports is a newer program called the Asian Initiative in Mental Health (AIM). The adult outpatient community mental health initiative has been operating for about a decade at the Centre for Mental Health at University Health Network in Toronto.”
TAGS: mental health, Asian-Canadian, University Health Network

Provincial initiative with University of Calgary roots promotes end-of-life planning
UCalgary News
“A new initiative  encourages Albertans to have important conversations about the type of care and quality of life that’s important to them and put a plan in place for their end-of-life care.”
TAGS: palliative care, University of Calgary, Covenant Health

Dear Prime Minister: ‘The time to show leadership on global vaccination efforts is now’
Maclean’s
“The only way to combat this pandemic successfully is through a massive global vaccination campaign on a scale and timeline never before undertaken. This requires the production of effective tools and technologies to fight COVID-19 at scale and coordinated global distribution efforts.”
TAGS: pandemic, COVID-19, vaccination, global health

Alberta researcher focusing on supporting mental health of health-care workers
Global News
“Covenant Health’s 15,000 staff will have the opportunity to receive mindfulness programs from MindWellU, a company that is delivering online training through its Wellness Together Canada initiative in response to the COVID-19 mental health crisis.”
TAGS: mental health, health care professionals, University of Alberta, Covenant Health