MPP John Yakabuski (centre) was at the County of Renfrew Administration Building January 28 to announce the County’s successful HART Hub application in partnership with the Pembroke Regional Hospital. Following the announcement he was joined by (from left) Councillor Michael Donohue, Chair of the County’s Health Committee; Mesa Paramedic Joe Hamilton; Sabine Mersmann, President and CEO of Pembroke Regional Hospital; Commander Steph Rose, County of Renfrew Paramedic Service; Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon; Mesa Paramedic Basil Gardiner and Councillor Anne Giardini, Chair of the County’s Community Services Committee.
RELEASE DATE:
January 29, 2025
The County of Renfrew is excited to share that it has been chosen by the Province of Ontario to host a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. This initiative highlights the County’s commitment to improving community safety and providing essential support services for residents in need.
HART Hubs aim to deliver integrated services tailored to local community needs, focusing on people with complex service requirements, including those facing homelessness, substance use issues, and mental health challenges. The announcement includes $6.3 million in annual funding, with $1.3 million allocated specifically for Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing starting in 2025-26 (to 2027-28).
“We are honoured that the Province has entrusted the collaborative network of partners in Renfrew County with establishing a HART Hub, complete with the all-important wrap-around services,” said Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon. “This initiative will significantly bolster the efforts of all agencies engaged on the Mesa initiative to provide essential services to our most vulnerable populations, fostering a safer and more supportive community environment. The Mesa HART Hub is not a shiny toy adding to services in our community; it is a necessary driver of compassionate and planned care for our residents.”
The Warden added that we owe a great deal of gratitude to MPP John Yakabuski for his support for this application as he recognized the need and was relentless in his advocacy.
“I am pleased our government recognizes the need to establish HART Hubs in rural Ontario especially, in Renfrew County. Having access to these services will have a positive impact on the lives of many in our community,” said MPP John Yakabuski, who made the official funding announcement at the County Administration Building in Pembroke on January 28. “Congratulations to the County of Renfrew and PRH for pursuing funding for this much-needed Hub.”
The successful proposal from the County was a team effort involving key partners such as Pembroke Regional Hospital, Carefor, City of Pembroke, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Mac Kay Manor, Addictions Treatment Service, Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre (OATC) – Pembroke, Pathways Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services, Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub, The Grind Pembroke, Renfrew County and District Health Unit along with local municipalities, first responders and various community organizations.
<p“ We are committed to co-lead this initiative with Country o Renfrew,” stated Sabine Mersmann , Presidentand CEOof Pembrokeregionalhospital. “The Mesa HARTHubwill address housing stabilityandprovidemuch neededincreasedcapacityformentalhealthandsubstanceuseservices. All keypartnersinthisinitiativehaveonefocus-toincreasecommunitywellnessbyaddressingbothhealthandsocialdeterminantsthateffectourcommunitymembers.”
The Renfre County Mesa HARTHubwillprovidearangeofservices, inclusiveof:
Primary Care Mental Health Services Addiction Care and Support Social Servicesand Employment Support Supportiveand Bridge Housing Services
These services aim tomeetimmediate needsandsupportlong-termrecoveryandstabilityforindividuals facing overlappingchallenges.
<p“ This achievementisatestamenttothestrongpartnershipswithinourcommunity,” remarked Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley.“Together, wearepoisedtodelivercomprehensiveservicesthataddressthemultifacetedneedsofourresidents.”
Theestablishmentofthe Mesa HARTHubalignswith Ontario’sbroaderstrategytoprioritizecommunitysafetyandfocusontreatmentandrecoveryservices. The Countyof Renfewandotherpartnershavebeenlobbyingthe Provinceforsuchafacility. Throughtheworkwiththe Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Teamandthe Renfew Countyand District Drug Strategythecommunitypartnershaveproven thesuccessofsucamodelwiththeongoingeffortsof Mesa, the region’scollaborativeapproachtocompassionatecare. Effortsalreadyunderwayincludebridgehousingatthe Careforcomplexin Pembroke, thewarmingcentrein Pembroke, andsupportivelivingspacesin Renfre. The steeringcommitteeissettomeetinthecomingdaystodiscussthedetailsofthefundingandthephasingoftherolloutofthe Mesa HARThub.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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