A provincial investment aimed at expanding access to mental health and addictions supports is set to help a couple of local programs within the Lambton-Kent region.
Last week, the Ontario government announced an additional $176 million in funding this year to expand access to supports in an effort to help people who may be struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is part of the province's $3.8 billion investment over 10 years through a comprehensive plan, A Roadmap to Wellness.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls announced on Wednesday, that the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is recommended to receive $150,161. Meanwhile, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Lambton-Kent branch is recommended to receive $75,058.
“Mental health is critical to the health and well-being in our communities,” said Nicholls. “Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19, especially those already struggling with mental health and addictions. I am happy to see our government investing in our community by providing additional supports to those who need it.”
The $176 million investment aims to address some of the gaps in care noted by the province, which involves the creation and expansion of several programs. Priority areas include:
- Community-based services in English and French, including services for children and youth
- Mental health and justice services
- Supportive housing for people with serious mental health and addiction challenges, and who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Community and residential addictions, including treatment and care for opioid addictions
- Increased supports for Indigenous peoples
- More hospital in-patient beds for mental health and addiction patients.