NELHIN

Canadian Mental Health

By Angela Gemmill

The provincial government is investing in pro-active measures to help those with mental health and addictions across the region.

Through the North East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), $2.3-million will go towards six initiatives to connect individuals with help and support, including a million dollars for a shelter service with alcohol management and health services.

Sudbury Liberal M-P-P Glenn Thibeault says the money will be used by a number of different partners to put needed programs in place.

Operations Manager with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Patty McDonald says it means the partners can provided tailored support for each individual based on what they need and/or want.

She is especially thrilled about the $1-million for Harm Reduction Home, which offers an alcohol management program with residential housing.

It’s for those who are chronically homeless and impacted by chronic substance abuse.

McDonald calls it ‘out-of-the-box thinking”, providing responsive to the needs of individuals before it gets chronic or has an impact on them.

p of 20 community partners including the police, the city and the hospital.

$260,000 will go towards a Community Mobilization Sudbury, which involves a crisis intervention team helping those individuals and families as acutely elevated risk.

It involves 20 different partners including police, the city, the hospital, health clinics, education and other services.

The investment includes $250,000 to expand Corner Clinic  and Mental Health Paramedicine Training for the CMHA Sudbury/Manitoulin

A further $520,000 is for Transitional Community Support, while $180,460 is for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic at Health Sciences North.

The final $50,000 is for Shared Space where a group of community agencies meet as a hub to provide clients with various services overseen by the CMHA.

The North East LHIN says finding solutions to health care needs and support focusing on mental health and addictions, was a top priority because of the growing number of residents who have developed problems.