Mental health and addiction services in Sarnia-Lambton are getting a boost from the Ontario government.
Bluewater Health has secured $700,000 in annual funding, in support of Ryan's House. In 2020, they received a one time payment of $650,000.
The 12-bed home-like facility, at 306 Exmouth Street, assists those transitioning out of Sarnia hospital’s seven-bed withdrawal management unit. Residents are typically at Ryan's House for about a month.
Bluewater Health VP of Mental Health and Addictions Paula Reaume-Zimmer is pleased, noting Ryan's House has had a positive impact since opening in January.
"What we're seeing now are individuals who are leaving Ryan's House with pretty solid footing," said Zimmer. "Their plans are in place, and they've had an opportunity to secure safe and affordable housing. CMHA has been a great partner in working with individuals at Ryan's House for housing. It's just the length of time that they need to make some major lifestyle commitments."
Zimmer said there are a number of individuals on the waiting list.
She said they're noticing an increase in women accessing addiction services at Ryan's House because it's starting to be recognized as a safe and reliable place to reach out to.
In May 2020, Bluewater Health was forced to decline 86 of 176 requests for a withdrawal management bed.
The demand jumped to 355 requests in May of 2021, and 260 of those had to be declined.