The Ontario government is investing in two local First Nations to expand addiction and mental health services in those communities.
A combined total of $854,000 over three years is being provided to Walpole Island and Kettle and Stony Point First Nations to increase access to treatment, as part of the government’s $90 million Addictions Recovery Fund.
“Both before and during the pandemic, we’ve seen a surge in demand for high-quality addictions care that addresses the unique needs of vulnerable populations across Ontario,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, in a news release. “This historic investment is an important step forward to protect our progress in our fight against COVID-19, and ensuring that individuals and families in every corner of the province have reliable access to the help they expect and deserve.”
The Addictions Recovery Fund will support 396 new addictions treatment beds around Ontario, which will help to stabilize and provide care for an additional 7,000 clients per year.
Walpole Island declared a state of emergency in July of 2021 in response to a rising number of drug overdoses and deaths on the First Nation reserve.
According to the provincial government, opioid-related deaths have surged by 79 per cent during the pandemic.
