Send us a text

Throughout this season of Injury is NOT Equal, we’ve heard from professionals about the systemic factors driving injury recidivism. But what about those who live this reality every day? In this episode we hear from Sarah Ginn—a longtime injury survivor and advocate. From a catastrophic injury over two decades ago to the many challenges she’s faced with repeated injuries since, Sarah reflects on the barriers, gaps in support, and resilience needed to navigate life after injury.

Guest Speaker:

Sarah Ginn

Sarah is an injury survivor, advocate, and ambassador who has been courageously sharing her story for the last 15 years, including through Sunnybrook’s P.A.R.T.Y. Program. After experiencing a catastrophic injury over two decades ago, she has faced ongoing challenges with repeated injuries. Through her advocacy, Sarah sheds light on the long-term impacts of trauma, the resilience needed for recovery, and the many factors that have contributed to her experiences with injury recidivism.

Host:

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, RN, BScN

Injury Prevention Educator, Centre for Injury Prevention

Podcast Produced By:

Centre for Injury Prevention

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Producer:

Cassandra Matchett

Media Production Student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Music:

Klimenko Music at Premium Beats

Alexander Blu Music at Orangefreesounds.com

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speakers own and do not represent Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @letstalkinjury

Send us a text

Violent injury is a pressing global public health issue, with survivors at a much higher risk of experiencing repeated injuries. At Sunnybrook, violent injuries make up approximately 19% of all trauma activations—a figure that has risen significantly over time. To combat this, the BRAVE Program (Breaking the Cycle of Violence with Empathy) delivers hospital-based violence intervention aimed at reducing injury recidivism and preventing retaliation. Through coordinated wraparound services, BRAVE addresses key modifiable risk factors, fostering recovery and disrupting the cycle of violence.

Guest Speakers:

Michael Lewis

Case Manager, BRAVE Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Michael is a Case Manager with Sunnybrook’s BRAVE Program and has over 20 years of experience in the Social Services sector. Michael played a pivotal role in the launch of the BRAVE Program in September 2020. As the programs first and sole case manager for the first 3 years, Michael worked diligently to support violently injured patients receiving care through Sunnybrook’s trauma program.

Elena Gordon

Case Manager, BRAVE Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Elena is the second case manager working with Sunnybrook’s BRAVE Program. Elena joined the team in 2023, partnering with Michael as the BRAVE Program expanded to support patients across the city’s East and West ends through Scarborough Health Network and Humber River Hospital. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Social Work, Elena brings over 8 years of experience working with vulnerable youth.

Resources:

BRAVE – Introduction to Sunnybrook’s Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program

BRAVE Program

SafeTO: A Community Safety & Well-Being Plan

Host:

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, RN, BScN

Injury Prevention Educator, Centre for Injury Prevention

Podcast Produced By:

Centre for Injury Prevention

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Producer:

Cassandra Matchett

Media Production Student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Music:

Klimenko Music at Premium Beats

Alexander Blu Music at Orangefreesounds.com

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speakers own and do not represent Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @letstalkinjury

Send us a text

In 2021, Sunnybrook opened the Jennifer Tory Trauma Recovery Clinic, aiming to provide coordinated, centralized follow-up care for all trauma patients up to one year after discharge. In this episode, host Shaelyn Fitzpatrick is joined by guest Lindsay Witiuk to discuss the impact of tertiary prevention efforts, including trauma recovery services and community resources, in disrupting the cycle of repeat injuries. Lindsay shares insights from her work at the Trauma Recovery Clinic, highlighting how these services address gaps in care and exploring areas where there is still room for improvement.

Guest Speakers:

Lindsay Witiuk, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Jennifer Tory Trauma Recovery Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Lindsay is a Registered Social Worker with nearly 10 years’ experience in the social services field. She is an advocate in supporting individuals in various settings living with a myriad of psychosocial challenges including, mental health and substance use, homelessness, child welfare involvement and individuals accessing the health care system.

Lindsay enjoys her role as a Social Worker at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Outpatient Trauma Recovery Clinic working with survivors of traumatic injuries once they have transitioned from acute care and into the community. Lindsay believes in health equity and the importance of ensuring a safe and trauma-informed environment for patients and families to heal.

Resources:

Jennifer Tory Trauma Recovery Clinic

Host:

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, RN, BScN

Injury Prevention Educator, Centre for Injury Prevention

Podcast Produced By:

Centre for Injury Prevention

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Producer:

Cassandra Matchett

Media Production Student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Music:

Klimenko Music at Premium Beats

Alexander Blu Music at Orangefreesounds.com

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speakers own and do not represent Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @letstalkinjury