Local mental health services are getting a boost, thanks to some provincial funding.
MPP Rick Nicholls announced this week the Ontario government is putting up an additional 176-million to expand access to critical mental health and addictions support during the pandemic.
Of that, just over $75,000 has been earmarked for the Lambton Kent branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, while another $150,000 is going to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
“Mental health is critical to the health and well-being in our communities,” said Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington. “Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19, especially those already struggling with mental health and addictions.”
The goal is to help address urgent gaps in care, enhance access to mental health and addictions services, create new supports and expand programs in several priority areas.
As part of the overall funding announcement, the province is investing in targeted community and residential addictions services including $4-million for nurse practitioners for detox services and another $8-million for addictions day and evening care.