Mental health services now closer to York Region residents

YorkRegion.com
April 9, 2015
Teresa Latchford

A funding infusion will mean more care closer to home for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.

The Central Local Health Integration Network has invested $1.1 million to provide high priority services within the local communities it serves. An additional $900,000 has been provided this month to support a number of programs in York Region alongside the creation of a province-wide registry of mental health beds to connect those experiencing a mental health crisis with the closest available bed.

“We are working with patients, their families, health service providers and partners to improve the health care experience for our residents,” Central LHIN CEO Kim Baker said this week during the funding announcement in Aurora. “Together, we are creating an integrated, co-ordinated and efficient system of care and support that encompasses these investments, making it easier for patients with mental illness and addictions challenges to get the care they urgently need.”

The funds are earmarked for programs to help residents bounce back from a mental illness such as depression, the enhancement of case management and support for residents with mental health and addictions challenges as well as peer support to help people cope with their challenges and to connect with other support programs and services such as wellness recovery action plan, employment preparation and life skills.

“Investing in local mental health and addictions agencies will make it easier to access services here in the Central LHIN region,” Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard said. “Helping people early and when they need it most will improve the lives of many residents and families in Newmarket-Aurora and across the province.”

The province’s creation of a registry of mental health beds means shorter wait times for care, providing doctors, first responders and emergency departments with up-to-date information about available in-patient beds across Ontario.

By 2017, the government will have increased annual funding for mental health by a total of $172 million since it launched the Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy in 2011.