About Us

The Champlain Dementia Network (CDN)

The Champlain Dementia Network (CDN) is a collaborative network of health care providers including primary care, researchers, the community, community services, funders, and those with lived experience who are working together to transform dementia care in eastern Ontario. From acute care to long-term care, from community settings to home, the CDN uses the collective strengths and talents of its members to innovate, coordinate, and reduce the impact of dementia.

Transforming Dementia Care with Compassion and Collaboration

Our Vision

Our vision of the Champlain Dementia Network (CDN) is to create a supportive and inclusive community for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. Together, we will break down barriers, challenge stigma and pave the way for individuals impacted by dementia to have a life of dignity, purpose, and joy.

Our Mission

The CDN is a collaborative network of health care providers, including primary care, researchers, the community, community services, funders, and those with lived experience who work together to transform dementia care in eastern Ontario. From acute care to long-term care, from community settings to the comfort of home, the CDN uses the collective strengths and talents of its members to innovate, coordinate, and
reduce the impact of dementia.

Our Values

The CDN builds system capacity and pioneers innovative approaches in implementing an integrated model of dementia care throughout the region. Through information sharing, collaboration, and coordination, the CDN helps member organizations fulfil their roles more effectively and efficiently, make informed decisions, and deliver high quality, evidence-based care.

A system lens and approach

We recognize and respect the contributions of member organizations and take a cross-sector and collaborative approach to our work.

Transparency

Informed, open communication is integral to discussion and decision-making.

Excellence

Our actions and decisions are informed and grounded by the needs of PLWD, their caregivers and their families.

Audacious thinking

We are comfortable pushing our thinking to include proof of concept opportunities and opportunities to learn and scale.

Improvement

We seek to make a positive, measurable, meaningful difference.

Nimbleness

We work to align our efforts with the broader system of changes in the healthcare system.

Equity, diversity, and
inclusion

Dementia knows no boundaries.

Our History

Approximately 15 years ago, the CDN expanded with Kathy Wright (Executive Director of Alzheimer Society of Ottawa & Renfrew County) and Bill Dalziel (RGP medical director) co-chairing an advisory committee for our region. Under their leadership the CDN grew its advocacy component.

The following co-chairs, Kelly Milne and Frank Molnar, guided the next stage of the design of the CDN, the development of a regional dementia strategy, the first of its kind in Ontario. Thanks to the vision of key CDN members, the organization evolved into the structure we have today, including the addition of a Director role.

Once the Director was appointed, the CDN became actively involved with project work by pushing forth an agenda for people living with dementia, focused on key pillars relating to support for PLWD and their caregivers, coordinated access to service, public education and awareness, education and training and diagnosis and treatment. Members of the network facilitate the projects and volunteer their time to participate in project work groups.