The province is investing over $1.2 million through the new Addictions Recovery Fund to enhance access to addiction treatment supports in Espanola and Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation.
Officials say the funding will be provided to Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre and Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation to expand access to a total of 10 new addictions treatment beds, helping the community access to culturally appropriate and safe addictions treatment.
“With this investment, we’re ensuring communities throughout the province have access to culturally appropriate mental health and addictions supports,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Our government will continue making sizeable investments in Northern Ontario to fill urgent gaps in care, and ensure individuals and families across Ontario have access to safe and effective mental health and addictions services, when and where they need them.”
In addition, officials say funding through the Addictions Recovery Fund will support the development of an Indigenous-led Youth Wellness Hub located in Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation which will provide culturally appropriate and safe supports to Indigenous youth between the ages of 12-24. This project will be led by Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, in partnership with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.
“Every year, more than one million people in Ontario experience a mental health or addictions challenge,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “That’s why our government is continuing to fulfill our commitment of making mental health and addictions a priority by investing in targeted addictions services.”
