Welcome
Welcome to CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre’s Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) page. Here, you’ll learn about our journey as an RNAO Indigenous-focused BPSO, our commitment to culturally safe care, and the ways we’re putting evidence into action to support community wellness.
What is the RNAO?
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students across Ontario. Since 1925, the RNAO has been a strong voice for nursing, advocating for healthy public policy, promoting excellence in practice, and improving health outcomes for people and communities.
What are Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs)?
The RNAO develops Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs)—evidence-based resources designed to help nurses, health professionals, community workers, and educators deliver the best care possible. These guidelines follow rigorous international standards and are used worldwide to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
What is a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)?
The BPSO program is the RNAO’s way of putting these guidelines into action. Health organizations partner with the RNAO (or a Host organization) to implement multiple guidelines over time. The goal:
- Build a culture of evidence-based practice
- Improve patient care and organizational outcomes
- Strengthen the professional practice of nurses and care providers
Indigenous-focused BPSO
Launched in 2019, the Indigenous-focused BPSO program was created in partnership with Indigenous communities. It:
- Honours Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing
- Is responsive to community needs
- Supports holistic community wellness
- Respects the teachings of Knowledge Keepers and Elders
CHIGAMIK’s
BPSO Champions
CHIGAMIK became an Indigenous-focused BPSO in 2019. 22 per cent of CHIGAMIK staff are BPSO Champions, leading best practice initiatives.
Cassandra Forget
Registered Indigenous Social Worker & BPSO Lead
Anneli Desroches
Registered Nurse & BPSO Lead
Amber King-Robitaille
Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Coordinator & BPSO Lead
Glen Chenard
Director, Clinical and Allied Health Services
Céleste Lalonde
French Language System Navigator
Heather Cusson
Indigenous Perinatal Mental Health Counsellor
Nathalie Desjardin
Registered Nurse
Natalie Dorherty
Psychotherapist, Mental Health & Addiction
Chantel Newburn
Nurse Practitioner
CHIGAMIK’s
BPSO Coaches
Tanya Costa
Kate Hanson
Grace Suva
At CHIGAMIK, we introduce a new guideline every two years. Here’s what we’ve implemented so far (add image of BPG beside each guideline):
Perinatal Depression BPG
- Screening during well-baby visits using the Edinburgh tool
- Automated reminders for clients to complete screening, with results shared with clinicians
- Counselling, referrals, and group programs like CHIGAMIK’s Mama Tribe to support social connection and cultural wellness
- 113 participants joined Mama Tribe to date
Smoking Reduction & Cessation BPG
- Supports people in reducing or quitting commercial tobacco use: in-person groups, peer support, one-on-one counselling, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Weaves together cultural humility, cultural competence, and western evidence
- Recognizes the sacred use of Traditional Tobacco (Semah) in ceremony, which is distinct from harmful commercial tobacco
- Family-based approach—supporting not just individuals but households
- 40 new enrollments in CHIGAMIK’s Quit Café program in 2025
Preventing Falls & Reducing Injury
- Developed an internal falls pathway for clients 65+:
- Annual falls screening for all clients
- High-risk clients (score 4+) referred to RN clinic for a one-hour falls assessment
- Integrated into CHIGAMIK’s electronic medical record for consistency and follow-up
- 130 clients referred to foot care (mobility and balance support)
- 90 participants joined CHIGAMIK’s Choose to Move program in 2024
CHIGAMIK took part in a two-year project to review BPSO Champion training, ensuring the material reflects an Indigenous Two-Eyed Seeing approach, blending western knowledge with Indigenous teachings.