As mental health illness becomes more prevalent within Chatham-Kent, a local community group is helping to make sure patients receive the treatment they need.

The Chatham Kent Community Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to help fund the future revitalization of the Inpatient Mental Health Unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. The grant was recently presented to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.

With mental health issues being exacerbated by the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, CKHA has identified mental health care as a significant need for the ChathamKent community.

“As we are all aware, the past two years have been very challenging for everyone in our community, which makes a program like the Inpatient Mental Health Unit Revitalization more important than ever,” said Chris Pegg, the executive director of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation. “The Chatham Kent
Community Foundation is proud to support CKHAF’s efforts to help the community get through this difficult time and on the road to recovery.”

This hospital’s plan to revitalize the mental health unit includes the development of therapeutic spaces where outside stimulus is eliminated. The new rooms will focus on a recovery-based model of care, incorporating empowerment, hope, and meaning in life.

“This specialized space will help patients reset and feel calm. It offers privacy from other patients, and provides a safe space for patients who require a decrease in stimulation,” said Alan Stevenson, the vice-president of mental health and addictions at CKHA, in a news release.

The Inpatient Mental Health Unit currently treats over 500 patients annually.