Chatham-Kent’s hospital is another step closer to funding its withdrawal management program thanks to a financial boost from the United Way.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent announced on Wednesday that it will be donating $155,000 toward the 10-bed residential withdrawal management unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Wes Thompson, president of the board for United Way of Chatham-Kent, said this is one of United Way’s largest donations in recent years and he hopes it inspires others to contribute to the program, as well.
“This issue [of mental health], we’ve bumped into it time and time again. And when we heard about [the program], we were so excited. We said we have got to step up to the plate on this one,” said Thompson.
The total cost of renovations for the project is expected to be around $1.1 million. However, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has already earmarked $500,000 for the program, and Ontario’s Ministry of Health has provided an additional $100,000 in startup costs.
Alan Stevenson, CKHA’s vice president of mental health and addictions, said without the medical support provided by programs like this, the physical and psychological symptoms of substance withdrawal can be very difficult to manage.
“Withdrawal management, up until now, has only been available in either London, Windsor or Sarnia and those beds are almost always full,” said Stevenson. “For those that come into emerg and they want to stop using substances, now they have an option.”
The hospital has been operating three withdrawal management beds since mid-March, but the unit is expected to be fully operational with all 10 beds by June 30.