Julie Lessard points out that the drug situation in northwestern Ontario has become more perilous over recent years, leading to a greater need for diverse mental health and addiction support services.
Lessard serves as the executive director of the Migisi Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre. This facility, situated on Matheson Bay’s shores in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, opened its doors back in 1989.
Years later, Lessard says her team still supports members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) communities through culturally-focused community healing methods.
“Having treatment close to home is important to a lot of individuals looking for care and finding services that are culturally-relevant,” Lessard said.
The centre collaborates with Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) located in Kenora.
Recently, LWDH secured $1.06 million from Ontario Health’s Addictions Recovery Fund to add 10 new beds at Migisi, increasing the total number of residential treatment spots at the facility to 24.
The Migisi Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre is located on the shores of Matheson Bay in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation. It opened in 1989. (Submitted by Charlene Kissick)
Community partners celebrated the introduction of these new beds on Tuesday.
“We need to work together to be able to support individuals that are looking for support, whether they’re looking for transition from treatment or perhaps they are just looking to detox and maybe going back home,” Lessard said. “We can’t do it alone. We need each other in these services.”
The programming at the centre draws upon traditional Anishinaabe teachings using the medicine wheel, symbolizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. It also integrates a 12-step recovery program along with life skills training, one-on-one counseling sessions, group counseling and land-based activities as explained by Lessard.
Outreach Services Rooted in Community
Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, often referred to as Rat Portage, is an Anishinaabe community located less than four kilometers southeast of Kenora. The population there is just over 400 people compared to around 15,000 residents living in Kenora itself.
This area falls under Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), which reported having the highest rate of visits for opioid-related poisonings and alcohol-related conditions across Ontario in 2024 according to NWHU’s website.
Additionally, NWHU recorded the second highest rate of deaths due to alcohol toxicity and was fourth highest for opioid toxicity during that same year.
Back when Migisi was first established during the late ’80s and early ’90s, Lessard mentioned that most patients were dealing with issues related primarily to alcohol and solvent abuse.
“That sort of evolved into prescription abuse, but we’re now seeing more cases involving methamphetamines along with rising mental health challenges linked with those more severe drugs,” she stated.
Gillian Lunny who serves as vice president for patient services along with being chief nursing executive at LWDH noted how crucial it is we offer a variety of services tailored towards people’s individual needs since recovery experiences vary greatly from person-to-person.
“For many individuals facing struggles right now,[the emergency department] isn’t necessarily where they oughta go; starting their journey towards healing should be our focus,” Lunny shared.
“Our approach emphasizes community-oriented efforts alongside outreach strategies addressing different aspects while collaborating closely within all partner agencies.”
LWDH currently backs several mental health & addiction resources throughout Kenora including: P>The Rapid Access To Addiction Medicine Clinic situated downtown Kenora. Morningstar Centre withdrawal management programs. Migisi Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centre’s residential care system. Del-Art Recovery Home. Outpatient mental health & addictions initiatives.
“Each person reaches readiness stages differently hence making sure adequate healthcare options remain accessible when needed really matters,” concluded Lunny.
Source link
