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November is “Movember” an initiative dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. Prostate cancer and breast cancer can be beaten if detected early. Retired OPP Officer Jack Harkness was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, Jack provides advice to both men and women to ‘get checked’, as he shares is treatment journey, along with his expert doctor, Dr. Danny Vesprini, a radiation oncologist who treats prostate and breast cancer at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto.
Dr. Vesprini is an affiliate scientist in the biological sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute and an assistant professor in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Toronto. Dr Vesprini’s research includes a focus on the genetic predisposition to aggressive prostate cancer. He is one of the principal investigators of the Sunnybrook Active Surveillance Program, and director of the Male Oncology Research and Education (MORE) program, which focuses on men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.
Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.
Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
| Canada Life – 2022 Insured Benefit Claims Submission Deadline Reminder Canada Life must be in receipt of all outstanding insured benefit (health and dental) claims incurred from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022 by 4:30 p.m. EST on December 31, 2023, otherwise they will be declined. Claims with a date of service within the past 12 months may be made directly through the My Canada Life at Work online system or the My Canada Life at Work app. Claims with a date of service more than 12 months ago can be submitted to Canada Life by paper claim. This can be done by mail or through My Canada Life at Work by using the ‘Estimates and Other Claims’ option available in the ‘Make a Claim’ process. Members wishing to courier paper claims instead of submitting them online may send them to: Canada Life London Benefit Payments 255 Dufferin Ave London, ON N6A 4K1 Claim forms are available by through the OPPA’s website by clicking here and selecting the Target Benefits Forms Library. As processing times are longer for paper claims, please submit any outstanding insured benefit claims from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, as soon as possible. If you have questions regarding your claims, please reach out to Canada Life using the new, dedicated, toll-free VIP phone number 1-888-381-4401. |
| Ozempic and Rybelsus (semaglutide) coming to prior authorization Nov. 27, 2023 As of Nov. 27, 2023, Ozempic and Rybelsus will be added to Canada Life’s prior authorization drug list and will only be eligible for coverage when used to treat diabetes. What does this mean for members? All new requests for coverage of Ozempic or Rybelsus will be subject to prior authorization. Members will be able to access the Drug Prior Authorization form through the Canada Life website or My Canada Life at Work. What does this mean for existing Ozempic or Rybelsus claimers? Members with other diabetes medications in their history will continue to be covered and receive reimbursement without interruption. Starting in December 2023, Canada Life will be mailing letters to members taking Ozempic or Rybelsus who don’t have other diabetes medication in their history. Members will have a 70-day grace period from the date of their letter to show that they are using these drugs to treat diabetes. Members using Ozempic or Rybelsus for non-diabetes treatment won’t be covered after their grace period. |
| Canada Life Call Centre Wait Times Canada Life is taking measures to reduce call centre wait times for OPPA Members. To achieve this goal, they have provided a new, dedicated, toll-free VIP phone number that is now operational. Members are encouraged to use the new phone number: 1-888-381-4401 – effective immediately. Once you enter your plan number (44501 for Active Members, 6772 for Retired Members), your call will be prioritized in the phone system. This should result in reduced wait times for both general and claim-specific inquiries. It will also help in reducing the processing delays for manually processed claims. Please note the phone number displayed on the “My Canada Life at Work” app will continue to show the previous phone number. So, it’s important to remember to use the new phone number, 1-888-381-4401, for better and faster service moving forward. Coordination of Benefit Claims (COB) There have been recent changes to the way coordination of benefits (COB) claims are processed when both plans are with Canada Life. When these claims are submitted electronically to Canada Life by the provider, only the member’s claim is being processed in that submission. Canada Life is currently updating the technology platform with providers that process these types of claims. In the interim, members are required to submit the outstanding COB claim via “My Canada Life at Work”. Members requiring further information should contact Target Benefit Administrators at 1-1-888-660-6055 or 416-740-1335 or by email at target@wlvinc.com. |
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is one-stop approach to mental healthcare that provides OPPA members with timely access to confidential, effective, and safe mental health support and services along a continuum of care including: mental health counselling, psychological assessments or psychiatric consultations, and referrals to intensive treatment programs including residential programs. Over the coming weeks we will profile some of these residential treatment programs.
The team at Encompas follow a thorough, standardized vetting process for all the treatment programs that it refers to, ensuring connection to safe and attuned services based on unique and individual needs. Many have First Responder-specific expertise and treatment.
When it comes to taking time away from work and family to receive treatment, attending a residential treatment program is a significant and courageous commitment, and for many, an important step on their journey to healing and wellness. Our Care Management Team is here to support you on this journey – please reach out to the Encompas Care Management Team 24/7/365 and they will assist you in this process of connecting with the treatment that is right for you. 1-866-794-9117 or encompascare.ca.
Residential treatment programs require participants to engage in an immersive experience towards mental and physical wellness. Support and care can be offered for a variety of challenges including trauma, substance use/addiction, behavioural addiction, and/or mood disorders that impact a person’s ability to thrive in their daily life at home and/or at work. Treatment programs may be available within a person’s community or may require travel to facilitate access to residential care.
Residential treatment programs offer specialized and intensive therapeutic interventions, structure, a daily routine, and consistency – all of which support positive change and growth. This type of treatment approach offers a safe environment and supervision from a team of professionals, often from a variety of disciplines, who work collaboratively to coordinate a customized plan of care.
The Encompas program adheres to a thorough, standardized vetting process for all the treatment programs to which it refers. As a result, these programs offer safe and attuned services to support our Members’ unique and specific needs.
A vetted and accredited provider, Bellwood Health Services in Toronto, has been offering inpatient (residential) and outpatient treatment programming for over 35 years, in support of individuals experiencing PTSD and trauma-related disorders, plus addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, OCD, and concurrent challenges. Their treatment includes evidence-based approaches, peer support groups, aftercare, and a family program to support recovery. There is also an Onsite Detox capability. Depending on the program, inpatient programs range between 7 (seven) and 12 (twelve) weeks. These programs include members of the general population.
To learn more about Bellwood Health Services and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers, available 24/7/365, who can help guide you with your care plan.
If you or a family member need mental health support, please visit encompascare.ca or call 1-866-794-9117.
A vetted accredited provider, Gateway Recovery Centre, treats addiction, trauma, and mental health for military, veterans, First Responders, and frontline healthcare workers. This program offers support to First Responders exclusively. Their expertise includes treating substance use disorders and trauma programs, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress injuries (OSI) with or without a concurrent addiction disorder. Depending upon need, the inpatient programs are either 7 or 9 weeks. Medical detox is available onsite. Aftercare for up to one (1) year is also included for all eligible patients who complete an inpatient program, and they offer a Family Program to help loved ones better understand addiction, trauma, and mental illness.
Gateway also offers an intensive online outpatient program.
To learn more about Gateway Recovery Centre and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
A vetted accredited provider, GreeneStone, was founded in 2011 and is part of the CATC (Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres) national support network for substance use disorder — the largest in Canada. They are located on a beautiful property in Muskoka and provide treatment for addiction, concurrent mental health conditions and provide supervised detox for a variety of substances. Master’s-level therapists provide custom-tailored one-on-one and group therapy, alongside family supports and a full suite of services that promote successful recovery. They also offer a new general mental health support program. GreeneStone has a military stream for group treatment; however, the facility treats the general population.
Depending upon client needs, programs are either 30, 60 or 90 days in length. Their expertise includes treating substance use disorders and trauma, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress injuries (OSI) with or without a concurrent addiction disorder. Medical detox is available onsite. Treatment may include a psychiatric assessment, individual and group therapy, educational sessions, spiritual therapy including a sweat lodge, relapse prevention and coaching, and wellness activities. Core modalities include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Humanistic and other approaches.
Aftercare programs are available for life including 4-6 individual counselling sessions, and ongoing group treatment within the Recovery Alumni Program. They also provide Sober Companion Services – live-in support to provide one-on-one assistance to help clients move through difficulties as they arise.
CATC employs individuals in recovery and/or with lived experience, these roles include Recovery Coaches and our Recovery Coordinators. The vision behind this philosophy is to have those with lived expertise as well as professional qualifications to ensure our programming and approach are as effective as possible for all the clients we support.
To learn more about GreeneStone and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
As a vetted and accredited provider, Homewood Health Centre, provides a range of residential programs for addiction, mood disorders, eating disorders, and trauma. Onsite medical detox is available. They also offer treatment programs for uniformed professionals, including the nine (9) week Guardians Program, designed for First Responders, military, and veterans who have experienced unique challenges. Homewood’s evidence-based treatment recognizes the unique needs of these individuals, including exposure to trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, and provides a safe forum for discussing issues that may be difficult to disclose in the presence of civilians. Those attending the Guardian’s Program would access shared common areas. Depending on the program, inpatient treatment ranges from 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks. Programs are co-ed and an Aftercare Program provides 52 (fifty-two) weeks of group-based recovery management to further develop relapse prevention strategies.
To learn more about Homewood Health Centre and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
Renascent is a vetted and accredited provider and has been a national leader in abstinence-based treatment for substance use disorders since 1970. They offer gender-specific inpatient treatment in four centers in Ontario, using evidence-based and trauma-informed care that addresses concurrent mental health issues. Their abstinence-based model integrates 12-step facilitation with other best practices in clinical and medical approaches and offers a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness principles, to provide a holistic approach to lifelong recovery. Inpatient programs range in length from 28-42 days. Many of the staff bring lived experience with substance use challenges. Programs are not First Responder-specific. Aftercare is available for 20 (twenty) weeks after discharge.
To learn more about Renascent and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
A vetted and accredited First Responder treatment provider, The Stable Grounds, offers a range of treatment options and focused care on a sprawling yet intimate farm in Rodney, Ontario. Their residential programs provide comprehensive treatment to address the identified challenges and allows guests to work through the healing journey without interruption and with ongoing support. They recognize the importance of helping those who provide essential services to others and offer priority treatment to support the recovery process through a unique range of therapeutic options. Cohorts may be mixed or gender-specific depending on availability.
To learn more about The Stable Grounds and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
A vetted and accredited treatment provider, Trafalgar offers addiction treatment in a serene and home-like residential setting, focusing on the treatment of underlying mental health issues within a 45-day intensive inpatient program. This facility, Canada’s largest support network for addictions, provides customized therapeutic addiction treatment for substance abuse and process addictions, and concurrent mental health disorders like PTSD and depression. Clients receive one-on-one and group therapy with Master’s level therapists, along with a full suite of supportive services. In addition, Trafalgar specializes in supporting First Responders, military personnel and the victim’s services population, offering an exclusive First Responder group programming within their broader addictions and mental health program. Clients benefit from ongoing support with a 2 (two) month aftercare program.
Trafalgar also offers medically supervised detox services at its sister facility, Neworld Medical Detox. Clients enjoy seamless transportation and case management between these two sites.
Trafalgar employs individuals in recovery and/or with lived experience. The vision behind this philosophy is to have those with lived expertise as well as professional qualifications to ensure our programming and approach are as effective as possible for all the clients supported.
To learn more about Trafalgar and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
Wounded Warriors Canada, utilizes clinical best practices and evidence-based care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency, and hope for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Their team of accredited professionals provides a range of group-based therapy programs benefiting individuals, couples, and children affected by the impacts of operational stress injuries. Programs include a 3–4-day Trauma Resiliency Program as well as a 5 (five) day couples course called COPE (Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday) and a 4 (four) day Couples Resiliency Program to assist couples impacted by PTOS and a Surviving Spouses Program for those who have lost their partners in the line of duty or by suicide.
To learn more about Wounded Warriors Canada and other providers that Encompas has vetted, please visit: encompascare.ca or call to speak with one of our Care Managers available 24/7/365 who can help guide you with your care plan.
If you or a family member need mental health support, please visit encompascare.ca or call 1-866-794-9117.
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of MARGARET ALEXANDER, who passed away on November 14, 2023. Margaret served at the Sudbury District Headquarters, Manitowaning (Manitoulin), South Bruce and Kincardine Detachments before retiring as a Admin Assistant from OCEB North – Sudbury on March 31, 2018.
Margaret is survived by her children Samantha and Adam.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Family has requested in lieu of flowers memorial donations to:
Charity of your choice.
Letters or cards of condolence may be forwarded to:
Samantha Howe & Family
206 Princess Street, Box 2415
Walkerton ON NOG 2V0
Branch 1 elections will run from Wednesday, Nov 29 until December 20, 2023 for the position of VP.
Candidates are:
- Jamie Bone
- Rob Turnbull
Each member should receive an email on November 29th at 0900 when the election begins to their home/personal email account that we have on file for them. Please check your spam/junk email folder if you do not see it.
The email will contain a direct link to the election ballot as well as an elector ID and password which they can use to log in to the voting site manually at https://elections.oppa.ca. *Do not share this email as it contains your unique voting details.
If a member does not have a personal email on file or does not receive the voting notice/email they can contact the OPPA Head Office (oppa@oppa.ca or 1-800-461-4282) and we will update their record and they can be provided their voting credentials.
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of ALLAIN DUPUIS, Badge #4042 who passed away on November 9, 2023. Allain served at Spanish, Ottawa, Intelligence Branch, and Ottawa Detachments before retiring as a Sergeant from the Northeast Region Operations Centre (North Bay) on June 30, 1999.
Allain is survived by his wife Linda and daughters Sheryl and Tracy.
Celebration of Life:
Monday November 20, 2023 from 1400 hrs to 1600 hrs
Kelly Funeral Home – Kanata Chapel
580 Eagleson Road
Kanata ON K2M 1H4
Family has requested in lieu of flowers memorial donations to:
Canadian Cancer Society
55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 300
Toronto ON M4V 2Y7
Letters or cards of condolence may be forwarded to:
Mrs. Linda Dupuis & Family
136 Castle Glen Cres
Kanata ON K2L 4H1
For links to listen on Apple, Spotify, Google and more podcasting platforms click here.
Retired OPP Detective Sergeant David Lalonde joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his new book “Death of a Millionaire”. David spent a career with the Ontario Provincial Police mostly policing in Northern Ontario. His recent fiction publication is based on his experiences as a criminal investigator. Learn more about his book online at dcjackbutler.com.
Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.
This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.
Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of JAMES (JIM) CHARLES SCHARF, Badge #2866 who passed away on November 8, 2023. Jim served at Ottawa, Rockcliffe Park, and West Carleton Detachments before retiring as a Constable from the Kanata Detachment on July 31, 1992.
Jim is survived by children Dan, Sharon, Debra, Debbie, Chris, Tim, Steven, Bill, Peggy, and predeceased by his wife Joan.
Celebration of Life:
Sunday November 19, 2023 1400 hrs to 1700 hrs
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212
100 Reuben Crescent
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0
Family has requested in lieu of flowers memorial donations to:
Parkinson Society
102 Greenview Avenue
Ottawa ON K2B 5Z6
Letters or cards of condolence may be forwarded to:
Mr. Dan Scharf & Family
6556 Michelangleo Court
North Gower ON K0A 2T0
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of WILLIAM (RALPH) BROWN, Badge #1937 who passed away on November 8, 2023. Ralph served at North Bay, and Spanish Detachments before retiring as a Sergeant from the Newcastle Detachment on April 30, 1991.
Ralph is survived by his wife Betty-Jean sons Ralph, Steven, and David.
Celebration of Life:
Saturday December 2, 2023 1100 hrs to 1400 hrs
Sharing Memories at 1300 hrs
Morris Funeral Home
4 Division Street
Bowmanville ON L1C 2Z1
Family has requested in lieu of flowers memorial donations to:
Your local food bank
Letters or cards of condolence may be forwarded to:
Mrs. Betty-Jean Brown & Family
6 Wilde Court
Bowmanville ON L1C 3X6
Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program
Wednesday, December 6th – 10:00am ET – 11:00am ET
About the Speaker:
Elizabeth is a First Responder spouse of both a Canadian Armed Forces reservist and Police Sergeant. Her husband of 20 years, Andrew Gough CD is a Military Police/Close Protection Operator and medically retired Police Sergeant with London Police Service. Together they founded V-EH! Veterans and Everyday Heroes in 2019 – a federal not-for-profit organization. They have spoken on a number of platforms, sharing their journey through an OSI to offer their reflections on Post Traumatic Growth. In Elizabeth’s professional life, she is an Early Years Advisor with the Ministry of Education/Ontario Public Service and is also a dedicated community volunteer and leader on several initiatives to champion sport, children, and women’s causes. Elizabeth and Andrew have two teenage children and reside in St. Thomas Ontario.
About the Session:
Join us on Wednesday, December 6th, from 10:00am ET – 11:00am ET to have a conversation with Elizabeth Gough, a first responder spouse, as she provides an intimate and honest account of her experience living with and loving a first responder with an Operational Stress Injury. She will share reflections on her family’s trauma journey – where their story with an OSI began and their collective experience with it. Elizabeth will take us on a journey through the difficult identification of the injury, her loving assertation that her spouse seek help, life and culture as a military and police family, parenting in a home of trauma, pathways of healing, and unexpected possibilities. Elizabeth may be joined by her eighteen-year-old daughter Ava who will share her reflection on growing up with a Dad with an OSI. This session will delve into the impacts of PTSD, not just on the serving member but also on the spouse and family.
Visit www.encompascare.ca to learn more.
Note: To ensure your anonymity, your registration information will ONLY be available to the hosts from Dalton Associates. Registrants will NOT have the option of turning on their camera or microphone at any time. Questions will be managed through the text Q&A which are sent only to the hosts – Dalton Associates. They will either answer those questions verbally without referencing the name of the participant who asked the question, or privately through the text function.
All sessions will be delivered through the PHIPA compliant version of Zoom Webinar.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact encompas@daltonassociates.ca