Ontario is experiencing renewed pressure to establish a 24/7 mental health and addictions ward at Lakeridge Health Oshawa after the Durham Regional Council unanimously supported the initiative earlier this month.
The council’s committee approved a resolution on Sept. 10, promising up to $2.25 million for the project – but the hospital requires $30 million for initial funding.
“We just can’t accept that people are suffering on our streets on a daily basis,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, who introduced the motion.
“I’ve been committed to this from day one, and I’m not going to give up until I get it done.”
The Ministry of Health did not provide direct answers regarding the project. Instead, spokesperson Ema Popovic stated that the province has made “record investments” in Durham Region in an emailed statement to .
Ontario announced funding in August 2024 for an additional 300 beds throughout the Lakeridge Health network, which includes locations in Bowmanville, Whitby, Ajax-Pickering and Port Perry, she mentioned.
As part of the 2025 budget, the province will also increase funding for community-based mental health and addictions services across Ontario by four percent, Popovic noted.
“[It’s] a clear signal that support isn’t just coming, it’s already here,” she said in her statement – which closely resembled one provided by the ministry when asked about the ward back in May.
also reached out to the premier’s office for comment.
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Beth Brannon, senior director for mental health and addictions at Lakeridge Health, explains how the proposed emergency ward would complement Ontario’s two upcoming Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs set for Durham Region. (Rob Krbavac/CBC)
“I dream about that day where we have an [emergency department] that feels quiet and a bit calmer; one that doesn’t have bright lights or loud noises but truly welcomes someone who’s facing a mental health or addictions crisis,” she shared.
The ward aims to provide “immediate specialized support for individuals in crisis” while helping reduce pressures on emergency departments as well as first responders,” according to last month’s resolution from the region.
People might wait up to 13 hours in an emergency room – especially tough for those experiencing psychosis or withdrawal symptoms, Carter noted.
A 24/7 ward would ensure people receive “the right care at the right time,” he added.
WATCH | Province left out mental health ward in May budget:
Oshawa mayor reignites call for support from Ontario government after declaring public health crisisOshawa’s mayor declared a public health crisis in his city on Friday due to rising violence and unlawful activities linked with mental health and addiction issues reaching critical levels. As CBC’s Naama Weingarten reports, Oshawa is now seeking assistance from provincial authorities.
The mayor stated that setting up the ward would take Lakeridge Health about eight months if they secure full funding.
He mentioned he first brought up this project with Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones around eighteen months ago.
In May, Carter expressed disappointment over not seeing funds allocated towards this ward in the provincial budget after requesting $40 million.
At that time he also declared a public health crisis in Oshawa because of inadequate capacity or resources available to handle matters related to mental health and addiction.
However now with Durham Region committing itself fully towards supporting this ward shows there’s partnership backing it up , Carter expressed.
“I’m confident that province will see we’ve got not just hospital onboard; we’ve got city support , regional cooperation along financial commitment too,” he remarked.
Carter indicated plans discuss project again during their meeting scheduled later this month with Premier Ford.
A spokesperson confirmed Mayor Carter is currently asking $30 million from provincial authorities.
Carter mentioned Lakeridge Health Foundation pledges $10 million towards initiative. has contacted hospital confirm details.
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Ward would ensure ‘right care at the right time’: mayor
Durham Region will host two of Ontario’s Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, Popovic stated. These hubs offer access to recovery and treatment resources for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. The proposed emergency ward would work alongside these hubs by swiftly connecting individuals to necessary care within a supportive environment, explained Beth Brannon, senior director for mental health and addictions at Lakeridge Health.
Oshawa mayor reignites call for support from Ontario government after declaring public health crisisOshawa’s mayor declared a public health crisis in his city on Friday due to rising violence and unlawful activities linked with mental health and addiction issues reaching critical levels. As CBC’s Naama Weingarten reports, Oshawa is now seeking assistance from provincial authorities.
The mayor stated that setting up the ward would take Lakeridge Health about eight months if they secure full funding.
He mentioned he first brought up this project with Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones around eighteen months ago.
In May, Carter expressed disappointment over not seeing funds allocated towards this ward in the provincial budget after requesting $40 million.
At that time he also declared a public health crisis in Oshawa because of inadequate capacity or resources available to handle matters related to mental health and addiction.
However now with Durham Region committing itself fully towards supporting this ward shows there’s partnership backing it up , Carter expressed.
“I’m confident that province will see we’ve got not just hospital onboard; we’ve got city support , regional cooperation along financial commitment too,” he remarked.
Carter indicated plans discuss project again during their meeting scheduled later this month with Premier Ford.
A spokesperson confirmed Mayor Carter is currently asking $30 million from provincial authorities.
Carter mentioned Lakeridge Health Foundation pledges $10 million towards initiative. has contacted hospital confirm details.
Around 1,000 people are homeless in Durham: chair
Around 1 ,000 individuals face homelessness throughout Durham region , John Henry , chair of Durham Region reported.He pointed out however communities nationwide struggle address growing needs surrounding issues like Mental illness Drug Dependency & housing shortages
” The real challenge we face there’s no unified guide – no federal plan ,” he explained. ” This community recognizes importance having dedicated facility where people facing greater challenges than typical cases can get assistance tailored directly toward them”Source link
