Ontario Investing in Programs to Support People with Complex Mental Health Issues  

 Provincial Investment to Improve Mental Health and Addiction Programs in Whitby

March 22, 2023 

WHITBY — Today, Lorne Coe, Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby, announced the Ontario government is investing $1,050,200 for Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) to improve care for patients with complex mental health issues.

This funding is part of the government’s investment of over $19.4 million at 13 hospitals to improve mental health and addiction programs that support people with complex mental health issues, including people with a dual diagnosis (mental health issue and developmental disability), people in the forensic mental health system and people in provincial correctional centres.

“This investment will provide staff with training to improve care and treatment for patients with complex mental health issues,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “Our government is making it easier and more convenient for patients in every corner of the province to access mental health care, including patients with a dual diagnosis, in the forensic mental health system and people in provincial correctional centres.”

“I’d like to acknowledge the province of Ontario for funding projects at Ontario Shores that will improve staff and patient safety. These efforts will allow us to enhance services, support, and tools to meet the needs of our patients,” said Karim Mamdani, President and CEO of Ontario Shores.

Included in the funding is:

–         $423,400 for Forensic Hospital Security Enhancement, which will support initiatives aimed at improving staff and patient safety such as short-term staffing, training, software and equipment designed to enhance the safety and security of forensic units.

–         $218,800 for Complex Mental Health and Developmental Disability, which will allow inpatient Dual Diagnosis Programs across the province to enhance services, supports and equipment for this complex community and to meet the needs of treatment and behavioural plans.

–         $25,000 for Complex Mental Health and Developmental Disability to provide out-patient programs across the province to expand and update equipment and to meet the needs of treatment and behavioural plans.

–         $383,000 to Forensic Hospitals, providing training and tools to support existing programs delivered through partnerships with Correctional Institutions.

QUICK FACTS 

  • Since launching Roadmap to Wellness, more than $500 million annually has already been invested towards helping mental health and addictions services expand access to care and reduce wait times.
  • Health Connect Ontario has a new name: Health811. Through calling 811 or using the Health811 website, you can call or chat online with a registered nurse and find the health care services you need. 

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