Supportive Housing for Ontario Addictions Programs

    McGuinty Government Funds Supportive Housing for Healthier Communities

    TORONTO, July 13 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    The South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is pleased to
announce 16 units to be established in 2009/10 to help people living with
addictions increase stability and security in their lives and to reduce
pressure on hospital emergency rooms.
    Ontario is providing $16 million province-wide over three years to fund
1,000 supportive housing units for people with substance use issues. The
program is targeted to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
and who may have one of the following characteristics:-  Repeat users of addictions treatment system;
    -  Complex addiction problems;
    -  A concurrent disorder.

    This funding comes as Minister of Health and Long-Term Care David Caplan
launches a discussion paper towards the development of a 10-year mental health
and addictions strategy this week at his Open Minds. Healthy Minds. Summit in
Toronto.

    QUOTES

    I'm pleased this client-centred initiative is part of our commitment to
    improve mental health and addictions services in Ontario. Providing
    stable, safe and supportive housing not only improves the mental health
    and well-being of those who need the service, but also opens doors to
    healthier communities.
    - David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

    These new supportive housing units will help some of the most vulnerable
    people in our LHIN. Our goal is to provide a safe environment where those
    currently without a fixed address can still have their health care needs
    looked after.
    - Norm Gamble, Chair, South West LHIN Board of Directors

    QUICK FACTS

    -  Ontario has approximately 8,500 supportive housing units for people
       with a serious mental illness.
    -  In 2006/07, 9,650 clients receiving addiction treatment stated 'no
       fixed address' when asked where they live. Of this number, 500 were
       residents of the South West LHIN.LEARN MORE

    The South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is a crown agency
responsible for the planning, integration and funding of more than 150 health
service providers, including hospitals, long-term care homes, mental health
and addictions agencies, community support services, community health centres,
and the South West Community Care Access Centre. The South West LHIN covers an
area from Lake Erie to the Bruce Peninsula and is home to almost one million
people. For more information visit: www.southwestlhin.ca.Find out more about addiction treatment services in Ontario
(http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/addict/addict_mn.html).

    Get more information on Minister Caplan's Advisory Group on Mental Health
    and Addictions (http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=c053e9d068e5c1a)



           Supportive Housing for People with Substance Use IssuesBACKGROUNDER

    Ontario is providing $16 million over three years to fund 1,000
supportive housing units for people with substance use issues or concurrent
disorders.
    This client-centered supportive housing program includes services based
on the "Housing First" model for harm-reduction. This model provides
supportive housing to homeless people with substance abuse issues, whether or
not they are enrolled in treatment programs. The housing is integrated into
the community so that clients can feel safe and secure in the housing
environment.
    The funding also includes case managers who provide support on issues
such as landlord-tenant relations, budgeting and crisis intervention.
    Housing supports reduce homelessness and introduce stability into
peoples' lives. Flexible and tailored to each client, it builds on existing
links to other community supports, such as social assistance, affordable
housing, and life skills and education/employment counselling.

    Effective treatment for people with chronic substance use problems or
concurrent disorders requires comprehensive, integrated and client-centred
services, and stable housing:-  Most people who have substance use issues or concurrent disorders can
       be successfully housed if they are given the right supports when they
       want them (e.g. harm reduction approach);
    -  Most people with concurrent disorders will not accept an environment
       that is too restrictive or rigid and heavily controlled.Minister's Advisory Group on Mental Health and Addictions

    The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care has created the Minister's
Advisory Group on Mental Health and Addictions
(http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=288a7afd38d6238) made up of consumers,
family members, health care providers and researchers from across the
province. It includes a range of perspectives such as children and youth,
Aboriginal peoples, seniors, women and adults in the workplace. Input from
this group, the Select Committee and the Interministerial Committee will be
used to develop a long-term strategy for mental health and addictions for the
province.
    Five working (theme) groups have been established to support the Advisory
Group, including; system design, healthy communities, consumer partnerships,
early identification and early intervention, and strengthening the workforce.
    The Advisory Group recognizes that people with varied backgrounds, life
experiences and expertise can make an important contribution to their work,
and plan to engage stakeholders across the province.

    Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions

    An all-party committee has been formed by the Ontario legislature to help
develop ways to improve access to mental health and addictions services in the
province.
    The Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions
(http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=70ed4d28b114eb4) - with representatives
from all three political parties - will work with consumers, health care
providers, experts and other interested parties to determine the mental health
and addictions needs that currently exist. The committee is expected to issue
a report in 2010 that will:-  Determine the mental health and addictions needs of children and young
       adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as seniors
    -  Explore innovative approaches to delivering services in the community
    -  Identify ways to leverage existing opportunities and initiatives
       within the current mental health and addictions system.

    For public inquires call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161
    (Toll-free in Ontario only)

For further information: Annabelle Mackey, [phone], ext. 2573,
[e-mail], Toll-free: 1-866-294-5446,
www.southwestlhin.on.ca