> Police Week: Officers protect and serve in a COVID-19 world /Pg 9-11 > Niagara food banks working together Pg 4 > Steady vaccine supply leads to expanded access Pg 5 > Winning Moms receive their rewards Pgs 14- 15 Thursday, May 13, 2021 Vol. 10 Issue 2
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Basil best for busting mental blahs
By Tristan Marks NewsNow Basil isn’t just for seasoning, it has stressbeating properties that are perfect for aiding mental wellness this Mental Health Awareness Month. GBF has been handing out the helpful herb as part of the organization’s celebration of all things mental health and wellness this May, along with a host of other events. Clients who come to the foodbank will receive a pot of basil along with a recipe for
‘stress-busting basil tea’. GBF executive director Stacy Elia said the basil offers more than just nutritional value. “We chose to give out herbs as a way to give our clients something to care for,” she said. At the same time, the organization will raise money for local mental health initiatives through weekly silent auctions on Facebook. Each Friday, GBF will post five gift baskets to its Facebook page, with bids to be made
On hand to distribute herbs on Tuesday were (L-R) GBF executive director Stacy Elia, financial and administrative coordinator Misty Duggan and volunteer Deborah Wilson. Marks - Photo in the comments. Bids will close every following Friday at 12 p.m. and winners will be contacted to arrange safe pick-up.
GBF has also partnered with WLMH to offer ‘mental wellness BINGO’. Folks can download a card which lists a number of easy
mental wellness activities that they can complete and then submit for a prize. Finally, on May 28, GBF will distribute
wellness packages through a drive-thru at the Wellness Centre. This event is open to all who need it, not just regular clients.
Nursing Week: a snapshot into the highs and lows By Mike Williscraft NewsNow A nurse’s life is filled with the highest of highs and lowest of lows none of it they control. These days those extremes are tested on an almost daily basis. For Grimsby’s Danielle Field, her decision to go into nursing was a natural path for her not only to take, but to follow. “I went into nursing because I have a love of health and science. I always heard stories from my mom (a registered nurse as well) and it seemed like the best fit for me,” said Danielle, who atteneded both Grand Ave Public School and Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School. Last week, Danielle posted anec-
dotes of recent experiences to pull the curtain back on the impacts of COVID-19 for those fortunate enough to have dodged DANIELLE dealing with it. FIELD Her social media post was shared by her employer, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster School of Nursing. “The best part about being a nurse is the connection with people, hearing their stories and having a shared experience. Being a nurse is a special job that allows us to be there for life’s biggest moments. We see life
begin and we see life come to an end, and everything in between. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting at times, but to DANIELLE know that i ready for work helped make a difference for someone during their healthcare experience is always worth it,” said Danielle. “I wrote this in the hopes that people could imagine themselves in this story and think twice before going to the party/event, wear your mask, follow guidelines and hopefully get vaccinated. Too often people don’t
know the stories from within the hospital until it’s too late.” The pandemic has shone a bright light on an area which, previously, got little attention. “Mental health of healthcare workers is becoming a passion for me as well, as I know the effects of this job can be heavy if not dealt with. With this post, my hope was that my openness can allow others to talk about their experiences. From my post, many colleagues have reached out to say that by reading it, they didn’t feel alone in their experience and felt like it was now safe to talk about. The post - published here during national Nursing Week - is as follows: See NURSING, Page 3