Project ECHO is one method that GV Health has employed to lead a collaboration between Mental Health and AOD services. An ECHO session includes a brief didactic, Q&A, a case presentation, followed by facilitated discussion and recommendations. The multidisciplinary cross- sectoral community presents a diversity of approaches to address the challenges of working with people who present with complex needs.
The Joint Addiction and Mental Health ECHO (JAMH ECHO) is facilitated by specialists in addiction medicine and in mental health, supported by a hub team of subject matter experts. This new and innovative approach to collaborating with health services across Victoria is providing a multidisciplinary network to explore contemporary practice via brief didactic and case presentation, thereby supporting clinicians, primary care providers, and lived experience workforce.
Presenters
Lisa Pearson, Project Leader, JAMH ECHO, Goulburn Valley Health
Lisa is leading GV Health’s Project ECHO Hub for innovation, education, and excellence. Lisa has held leadership roles both within GV Health and the local community. She is committed to driving excellence in service delivery and has a deep understanding and background in managing community-based mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Sharon Hall, AOD Nurse, Goulburn Valley Alcohol and Drug Service, Goulburn Valley Health
Sharon has been an AOD nurse since 2016 & has been nursing for 20 years. Awarded a Bachelor of Nursing in 2006. Sharon specialised in mental health nursing before switching to AOD.
Sharon has been actively involved in the creation of the Joint Addiction and Mental Health project ECHO.
Vårin Eddy, AOD Nurse, Goulburn Valley Alcohol and Drug Service, Goulburn Valley Health
Vårin joined GVADS in 2019. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing in 2000, her Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Critical Care in 2003, and her Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Studies in 2020. Vårin has been a part of creating the Joint Addiction and Mental Health project ECHO. Vårin is a Nurse Practitioner Candidate.