SAPA, the Support Program for the Autonomy of Seniors, is splitting into two directorates, each with a newly appointed director. Effective September 25, Jennifer Clarke becomes head of SAPA Long-Term Care, while Amina Talib leads SAPA Home Care, Intermediate Resources and Family-type Resources (RI-RTF) and Elder Mistreatment Helpline (LAMAA).
This change in CIUSSS West-Central Montreal is prompted by the added emphasis the Ministry of Health and Social Services has been placing on improving services for society’s increasingly elderly population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of older individuals became especially evident. For this reason, SAPA as a whole is expected to grow to meet society’s evolving needs in the coming years.
It is worth noting that a similar SAPA split has already been implemented in two-thirds of Quebec’s CISSSs and CIUSSSs, including the other four healthcare networks on the Island of Montreal.
Ms. Clarke has acquired more than 20 years’ experience in the fields of long-term care and acute care. Since 2016, she has been an integral member of the SAPA team, having served as a Consultant and Coordinator, and since 2021, as Associate Director.
Ms. Talib has nearly 30 years’ experience in our CIUSSS or in facilities that became part of our CIUSSS in 2015. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Human Resources, a position she had held since 2018. From 2015 to 2018, she filled senior roles related to workplace relations.
Before the CIUSSS came into existence, Ms. Talib’s positions included Consultant in Workplace Relations at CSSS Cavendish, Chief of Home Support Services for CLSC Côte-des-Neiges and CSSS de la Montagne, and Program Agent responsible for Education at CLSC Côte-des-Neiges. Congratulations to both of these appointees, as they assume exciting, new roles.
