A Douglas Treasure

The most modest of persons, always ready to share her time and talents, Administrative Agent Joan Besner is a true Douglas treasure.

Grew Over Time

Joan's dedication to the Douglas grew over time, "When I started at the Douglas in the early seventies, I did my job to the best of my abilities. It didn't take long, though, to see there was much more I could do. I took the cause of mental health as my own and looked for ways to volunteer my talents at events promoting the Douglas' fine work. I'm very proud to be involved in these activities, as they increase awareness among the general public and show how the Douglas reduces the pain of mental illness through care, research and teaching. My volunteering work always takes place during lunch hours, and after work, but it is always a pleasure."

An Outstanding Volunteer

Joan is held in high regard throughout the Douglas, and for good reason. She's consistently friendly, enthusiastic, well-organized, and creative. On top of that, she's an outstanding ticket seller for the Foundation's Loto-Voyage Campaign (she sold over 70 tickets in the 2006-7 campaign alone!), a greeter at the Frames of Mind movie series and Mini-Psych School courses, and a regular volunteer at the Foundation's Dinner and Wine Tasting Event. At last year's 125th Anniversary Celebration, she played a dynamic role in the planning committee, and created and hosted a kiosk for the Department of General Medicine. Many of you may not know that Joan also spearheaded a Foundation fundraising campaign in the 1990s with minimal support, raising tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, Joan is so enthusiastic; she often doesn't wait to be asked to volunteer. She simply calls up and offers her services!

Add to that Joan's superb work, as part of her regular job in organizing mental health conferences, and it's clear she is an outstanding Douglas ambassador.

Just Six Years Old

Joan was raised in Verdun and lived on Senecal Street, just a few blocks from the Douglas. She paid her first visit when she was just six years old. Joan's cousin - a nun enrolled in nurses training at the Douglas - took her along to visit a patient. Joan can still recall walking at her cousin's side through the tunnels and looking up at the patients.

"When I look back at that day, I realize that most of the patients I saw in the tunnels had probably been at the Douglas for years and would remain there for many more. They didn't have much of a life. They deserved more.

"Today, most people affected with mental illness can be treated quickly and effectively, and live in the community - if need be, with professional help. If we are going to end stigma, this type of reintegration must continue! I take a great deal of satisfaction in knowing I help to make that happen.

"For me, working at the Douglas is much more than a job - it's my way to contribute to better mental health for society at large. It's an honour for me to do so."

In a Word or Two…

What word best describes mental illness?
Debilitating

What film has most influenced your thoughts on mental health?
Awakenings

How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle?
Care for others, as well as for myself

Who is doing outstanding work in destigmatizing mental illness?
Douglas Chief, Department of General Medicine, Willine Rozefort, MD, who works tirelessly to improve patients' health

In 125 years, will the Douglas still be here?
Yes, with a focus on research.

One word that describes the Douglas?
Innovative