The province has launched one of its new “HART Hubs” in Brampton after discontinuing safe consumption site programs throughout Ontario.
The Urgent Public Health Need Site at 10 Peel Centre Dr. in Brampton was originally set to be protected under Ontario’s Community Care and Recovery Act, which resulted in the closure of about a dozen safe consumption sites last year.
The program operated by Moyo Health and Community Services ended last April, serving over 210 unique visitors with more than 760 total visits for “life-saving intervention,” as reported by the Region of Peel.
However, the province has reintroduced some mental health and addiction services in Brampton with the opening of a HART Hub designed to link people to treatment and recovery options, including primary care, mental health services, addictions support, social services, and job assistance. The hubs also aid individuals in accessing basic necessities like food, clothing, and more.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin is the main agency providing services at the hub along with local partners such as Moyo Health and Community Services, Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre, and Roots Community Services.
“The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addiction challenges in Peel Region can access support services that prioritize their path to recovery and strengthen community safety,” said Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam in a release.
The Brampton HART Hub is situated at 10 Peel Centre Drive alongside other Region of Peel services.
Ontario is expanding its network of HART Hubs with a new location in Kingston, bringing the total to 29 hubs backed by an investment exceeding $560 million. The province indicates that HART Hubs will also introduce nearly 900 supportive housing units across Ontario, which is over 300 more than initially anticipated.
The region has indicated that drug toxicity is an increasing issue in Peel with 705 deaths due to opioid toxicity from 2019 to 2023. An additional 70 opioid-related fatalities were reported between January and September 2024.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 28,033 Votes
All Time: 1,289,524 Votes
1375 VOTES
Source link
Source link
