Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario will spend $90 million over three years to immediately expand addictions services and increase the number of treatment beds across the province.
Funding is expected to help thousands of Ontarians access enhanced specialized services for mental health and addictions treatment, including in rural, Northern and Indigenous communities.
“Both before and during the pandemic, we’ve seen a surge in demand for high-quality addictions care that addresses the unique needs of vulnerable populations across Ontario,” said Michael Tibollo, associate minister of mental health and addictions.
“This historic investment is an important step to ensure individuals and families in every corner of the province have reliable access to the help they expect and deserve.”
Studies have shown that opioid-related deaths surged by 79 per cent during the first two waves of the pandemic, with Ontarians at risk of overdose facing significant barriers to accessing treatment.
New funding will create:
- 396 new addictions treatment beds for adults who need intensive supports, helping to stabilize and provide care for approximately 7,000 clients per year.
- Six new youth wellness hubs offering developmentally tailored primary care and mental health and addictions treatment for youth ages 12 to 25.
- Two new mobile mental health clinics in remote, rural and underserved communities.
- Additional community supports.
“The impacts of mental health and addictions challenges can be felt in communities across the province, and our government is committed to supporting all Ontarians on their journey to wellness,” said Christine Elliott, minister of health.
In 2020-2021, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the province invested up to $194 million in one-time emergency funding for mental health and addictions services.
“The overdose crisis was escalating before COVID-19, and the pandemic only exacerbated the demand for addiction and substance use care in Ontario,” said Katie Heelis, interim CEO, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario.
“When someone is brave enough to reach out for help it is critically important that they are met with care and not a wait list. The investments announced today in the Addictions Recovery Fund will ensure that more people have access to the care they need, when they need it most.”