Connecting More People to Mental Health Care in York Region

Connecting More People to Mental Health Care in York Region

The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for people in York Region to connect to high-quality, comprehensive mental health and addictions services close to home by building a new mental health hub in Newmarket. The province will continue to support the project’s design and construction, building on the previous investment of $200,000 to support the early planning of the hub.

“Through the ongoing expansion of our network of mental health and addictions services, our government is ensuring that youth, along with their families, have access to the best-quality mental health and addictions supports in York-Simcoe. The new York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub will provide a space where young people can feel safe and connected to their community, while being provided with vital resources to better support them.” – Caroline Mulroney MPP for York-Simcoe

“Our government is continuing to build more connected and convenient mental health and addictions services in communities across the province,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This new, innovative community care hub will ensure children, adults and families across York Region can connect to the mental health care they need, when they need it, closer to home.”

The new York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub is the first model of its kind in the region and will expand mental health and addiction supports for both youth and adults under one roof.

Once opened, the hub will provide a range of comprehensive care for those aged 12 and older and their families, including:

  • A model of care that brings together community partners including hospitals, primary care, community providers and first responders to connect people to the care they need sooner.
  • Connecting people experiencing a mental health crisis with care in the right place instead of emergency departments by coordinating police and paramedic drop off, referrals from primary care and community partners and walk-ins.
  • Increased access to crisis and stabilization supports, including bringing additional withdrawal management beds to the community.
  • Culturally appropriate support services to connect more people to community-based mental health and addictions resources.

The project is currently in the early planning and design stages. As a next step, the government will be issuing a call for proposals this summer to award the construction contract.

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to make it easier and faster for individuals of all ages to connect to mental health and addictions support, primary care and social services.

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Quick Facts

The Canadian Mental Health Association of York and South Simcoe will be the lead agency for the hub project and partner with the ministry and other health care and mental health service providers.

The province will continue to support the project’s design and implementation building on the initial $200,000 investment that has been made to support the early planning of the hub.

Ontario is investing $3.8 billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs through Roadmap to Wellness.

Through the Roadmap to Wellness and the Addictions Recovery Fund the province is adding over 550 new addictions treatment beds to build capacity across the mental health and addictions sector.

Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use, and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits. As part of Budget 2024, Building a Better Ontario, the government is building on its work through the Roadmap by investing an additional $396 million over three years to improve access and expand existing mental health and addictions services and programs.

Ontario is also investing an additional $152 million over the next three years to support individuals facing unstable housing conditions and dealing with mental health and addictions challenges.

Quotes

“The York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub will address specific, critical gaps in our healthcare system for individuals who need immediate, voluntary and short-stay mental health support and better connections and navigation to ongoing care. While one provider can’t solve everyone’s needs, this hub, a true collaboration, is a critical addition to building a more comprehensive and connected mental health system. Together, we will work towards our vision to help ensure someone’s first mental health crisis is their last.” – Rebecca Shields CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe

“Almost all of us have tweeted on Bell Let’s Talk Day or told a friend how desperately we need better mental health care support in our communities. Today we move from talk to action. It is my hope that everyone will speak out loudly and support this critical piece of social infrastructure. Today is the day we begin to meet the demand for mental health care and support here in Newmarket and York Region. We can all help by supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association – York Region South Simcoe, as they bring this important project to reality.” – Mayor John Taylor Town of Newmarket

“Supporting the mental health and well-being of more than 1.25 million York Region residents is a key priority for York Regional Council. Today’s announcement ensures our residents will have access to leading-edge, timely and appropriate mental health and addictions supports close to home.” – Wayne Emmerson Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York

“Access to comprehensive mental health care is vital for the well-being of our communities. This new community care hub in York Region will ensure that individuals and families can receive the support they need, closer to home. I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to making mental health services more accessible and integrated for everyone.” – Billy Pang MPP for Markham-Unionville

“The creation of The York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub will be a pivotal resource within the community connecting Ontarians experiencing mental health challenges to supports. Our government is investing in mental health and wellness, through initiatives such as the Roadmap to Wellness and Addictions Recovery Fund, to ensure that communities across the province can easily access the help that they need.” – Paul Calandra MPP for Markham-Stouffville

“Our government recognizes the critical importance of supporting mental health for both youth and adults in York Region. This new mental health hub will ensure our Richmond Hill community can access the vital care they deserve. I applaud our government’s attention to the growing need for mental health and addictions care and look forward to the increased support this community hub will provide.” – Daisy Wai MPP for Richmond Hill

“Our government is continuing to expand mental health and addiction services throughout our province, building on our commitment to provide convenient care, closer to home. The York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub is ensuring that children, adults and families are connected to the community- based mental health and addiction resources they need, when they need them.” – Michael Tibollo MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge

“Mental Health is Health. The new York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub will ensure that individuals and families have access to the care they need, close to home. I am proud of our government’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier York Region.” – Laura Smith MPP for Thornhill

“Today’s announcement builds on our government’s commitment to drive down waitlists and get people the help they need sooner,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “It also builds on my personal commitment to our community to ensure residents do not need to be in a crisis to find timely access to mental health treatment. Mental health is health – and I am proud of our team for recognizing the important role these supports play in people’s lives.”

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