Jaylene Butchart: helping patients and families during difficult times

When facing a mental health crisis, it is sometimes difficult to reach out and ask for help. You are not alone. Meet Jaylene Butchart, a registered nurse in GRH’s Hazelglen program, who has been offering a helping hand to individuals and their families for over 15 years!

An enthusiastic team player, Jaylene is passionate about the Hazelglen program and enjoys the many challenges of the job.

Can you tell me about your role at Hazelglen?

As part of the Hazelglen program, I assist people who are experiencing a serious mental health crisis. We provide intensive short-term treatment to help people through a crisis without needing an admission to the hospital.

How does this service benefit those in our community? 

Generally speaking, it is better to recover at home if the option is available. We provide individual support, family education, mental health education and medications (through a psychiatrist) which can be provided at our office or at home depending on the circumstances of the individual.

How does one get access to this service?

The Hazelglen program is available through the emergency department at GRH or through a referral from a family physician.

What can someone do if they or a loved one is facing a mental health crisis?

The best thing to do is to listen to your family member. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and don’t be afraid to access help through a family physician, the emergency department at GRH or by calling Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.

What advice would you give to someone who would like help, but is afraid to reach out and get it?

It may be helpful to remember that you are not alone! There are many, many people going through mental health struggles in our region. A lot of them may look like they are smiling on the outside, but are crying on the inside. The more people are able to speak about their concerns, the easier seeking help will become.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Hazelglen program?

I absolutely love being a part of someone’s recovery journey. It is very gratifying to see people get better. I also enjoy the variety of people I meet, and very much like being a part of a multidisciplinary team.