On Sept. 20, I attempted suicide by taking all of my HIV medication at once after struggling with mental health and addiction issues for some time.
I was taken to the emergency department where I was met by an amazing team of professionals. From there I was admitted to the 6th floor North tower psychiatric department.
I've been here for three weeks now, and I've witnessed first hand the impact of the work done by the people here and how important it is that they're supported in doing it.
Everyone, from the cooking and cleaning staff to the social workers to the medical professionals go out of their way to help our most vulnerable people in this city.
The problem is that they are definitely grossly under resourced. People have to wait for hours, sometimes even days before they can be admitted.
The nursing staff is amazing. Even if someone decided to come to work and do the bear minimum one day, they would still be working their butts off.
I'm writing this letter because we don't realize how amazing the people who do this work are, until we're in their care. Because of the professionals here, I've been given a chance at life again. I actually feel like I have somthing to live for.
Eric Cashmore
HIV, Addictions and Mental Health Advocate
Sudbury