Building named in memory of young boy whose legacy inspired a first-of-its-kind mental health outreach team
Pictured left to right: St. Joe's President, Mike Heenan, Clinical Manager of COAST and MCRRT, Jennifer Sansalone, Inspector, Hamilton Police Service, Frank Miscione, Psychologist and Mother of Zachary, Dr. Lori Triano-Antidormi, Hamilton City Councillor, Esther Pauls, and Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly.
On Tuesday, St. Joe’s, Hamilton Police Service, and Hamilton Paramedic Service proudly announced the opening of Zachary’s Legacy, a new downtown centre dedicated to mental health outreach and community support.
The building is named in memory of Zachary Antidormi, whose tragic death in 1997 led to the creation of a unique partnership between St. Joe’s mental health workers and specially trained police officers, one of the first partnerships of its kind in Canada. The partnership, which was designed to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring again, has continued and grown over the years. Today, the teams respond to tens of thousands of calls a year, including 911 emergencies or visiting at-risk individuals in encampments.
“This partnership that began in response to Zachary’s death has transformed how we provide mental health support to the Hamilton community. This building is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing safe and supportive assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises and access to vital community supports,” said St. Joe’s President Mike Heenan.
Zachary’s Legacy will serve as a hub for some members of St. Joe’s mental health outreach teams who will work alongside police, paramedics and community partners to provide care to people in the community, when and where they need it.
“I am so proud of the work we do and of the unique partnerships that enable us to continuously go above and beyond in order to serve our community,” said Jennifer Sansalone, clinical manager of the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) and the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT).
Tuesday’s events featured speaking remarks from Heenan, Sansalone, Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen, Deputy Chief Cliff Eggleton of the Hamilton Paramedic Service as well as Dr. Lori Triano-Antidormi, mother of Zachary.
“I am honoured and grateful that Zachary’s legacy will continue,” she said.
St. Joe’s is home to the second largest mental health and addictions program in the province and we are committed to delivering exceptional care and innovative solutions to those affected by the ongoing substance use challenges facing our community.