Ontario’s healthcare system is complex and it can be daunting for anyone trying to access services in the community. Through its ongoing partnership with the Burlington Ontario Health Team (BOHT), JBH is working to remove barriers and make it easier for people to get the care they need.
BOHT brings together a diverse network of health and social service providers in Burlington and the surrounding area – including doctors, hospitals, home and community services and more – in a “one-stop shop” approach that makes it simpler for people to find supports – whether that is mental health services, home care or help with finding a family doctor. The BOHT focuses on making care more accessible, identifying health issues and intervening early, and creating smoother transitions between services.
“JBH has supported the BOHT since its inception, guiding it through critical junctures and successes as we work to integrate healthcare in Burlington and surrounding communities," said Kathy Peters, Executive Director, BOHT. "This past year, JBH played a critical leadership role in our visioning and planning for population growth in Burlington and broader Halton, including supporting the proposal development of the Integrated Health Services Centre & Campus, a proposal to integrate services to meet the health needs of our growing communities.
“JBH was also a key member supporting integrated care pathway development, which resulted in the development of 40 community care pathways, known as HealthPathways, a trusted, clinician-designed tool that supports healthcare professionals by providing locally relevant, evidence-based guidelines and resources,” she added. “The relationship between JBH, the BOHT, and our partners is one of collaboration that has set the foundation for transforming care in Burlington.”
Improving Mental Health and Addiction Services in Our Community
A standout collaborative initiative is the Mental Health and Addiction Integrated Care Committee, which includes JBH as well as members from community organizations, primary care providers, and patient and family representatives. This committee is more than just a discussion forum – it’s an active driver of change. By fostering collaboration, accountability, and strategic decision-making, the group works to develop client-centred care models that reduce reliance on emergency services, improve consistency across the region, and align with provincial priorities set by the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence.
The committee’s impact speaks for itself. Over the past few years, it has helped expand access to psychotherapy, introduced mobile support services for the unhoused population, and ensured that community providers play a role in shaping JBH’s Mental Health and Addiction Program’s Five-Year Services Plan.
Empowering Patients Through Digital Innovation
In 2024-25, BOHT staff made several visits to JBH to introduce patients and visitors to ConnectMyHealth, a digital health solution that provides patients with an online, single-access channel that allows them to view their health records from participating hospitals in the Ontario Health West Region (Southwestern Ontario).
Designed for convenience, ConnectMyHealth combines multiple hospital records into one consolidated view, allowing patients to better understand and manage their healthcare. It’s a free service that works on both desktop and mobile devices without the need for an app. Security remains a top priority, with multi-factor authentication ensuring every login is protected. To register, users must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario Health Card.
At its core, JBH’s commitment to partnership with BOHT and community providers across our region is about building a stronger, more connected healthcare system for the residents of Burlington and beyond.