Provincial funding boost in mental health services welcome news for Windsor-Essex health officials
Initial reaction to Ontario’s 2023 budget indicates it’s being well received by pharmacists and mental health care officials in Windsor-Essex.
But, those same officials are still waiting for more details about how millions of dollars in funding will be distributed.
“It's always a great day when we receive news that the government is providing funds for mental health and addictions,” said Kim Willis, director of communications and mental health promotion with the Windsor-Essex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
The province said it will increase efforts to help Ontarians who deal with mental health or addictions issues with a $425 million funding boost over three years.
“It's the largest increase to base funding in a decade,” Willis said. “So really long overdue. We've been advocating for additional funding to maintain the level of care that we provide, so very welcome news.”
The province said the money will be utilized in community-led programs and to make a broad range of addictions services available across Ontario that are easy to access.
“That being said, the devil is in the details sometimes, so we're just still waiting for more clarification on how that funding will be rolled out,” Willis said.
“We have seen a 15 per cent increase in the number of clients we're serving here. And we know that's just the people that come here. So certainly the need is out there. And again, this is the biggest increase in a decade. So really great news and we're able to maintain the level of care and quality that our patients and clients need.”
“Initial reaction is quite positive,” said Bill Marra, the president and CEO of Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare.
Marra explained there’s a $2 million investment that speaks to a housing component that appeals to healthcare and addictions specialists.
“It's housing that's going to be dedicated to individuals that are in recovery. And an incredible important component of recovery is stabilizing the life of the individual above and beyond the challenge with an addiction,” Marra said. “So we're pleased to see that.”
“We're also host here to the regional Children's Center and Hotel Dieu Health Care. We're very pleased to see considerable investment in children and youth mental health, five per cent budget increase as well based budget increase, and some barrier free initiatives around improving access to services. We really want to eliminate our wait times.”
Marra said HDGH is also pleased to see considerable investment into the long-term care sector, noting the hospital has a proposal pending with the province.
“All around really good news,” he said. “Now it's a matter of determining what the details look like.”
Meanwhile, pharmacists in Ontario are being given the power to prescribe new medications for common ailments such as acne, canker sores and diaper dermatitis.
“It's great,” exclaimed Tim Brady, owner of Brady’s Drug Store.
“I mean, we've just a couple months ago started the first 13 and actually, I had somebody come in. It's just a really convenient issue.”
However, Brady remains cautious about the details, hoping that pharmacists’ scope will continue to expand.
“It still puts us behind other provinces. I think Alberta is the leader with like 32, and we're looking for things especially with the drug shortages, you know, hopefully will expand to things like interchangeable, interchanging meds and such,” Brady said.
“But it's a good move forward. It's better for the people of Ontario. It allows them and the people from Essex County when it's, you know, six, seven at night your doctor is not around, this is going to give you an option to get care now instead of waiting or suffering for another 24 hours until you can find a physician.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.