Health News For North Etobicoke, Malton, West Woodbridge

SAULT STE. MARIE —The Ontario government is expanding access to high-quality mental health and addictions care with the launch of a new Indigenous-led Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, operated by Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River and Sagamok Anishnawbek.

This is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to protect the safety of children and families, while improving access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.

"We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister for Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Sault Ste. Marie can get the care they need on their path to recovery while keeping the community safe.”

HART Hubs connect people to a range of comprehensive treatment and recovery services such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support.

Operating from three locations, the HART Hub, in partnership with Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, is delivering culturally relevant care to community members in Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River and Sagamok Anishnawbek.

The Hub brings together a collaborative network of clinical, social service and care providers working together to connect individuals with the supports they need when they need them. Together, these partners deliver services tailored to the needs of the community, such as:

• Mental health services
• Substance use treatment
• Supportive housing and supportive housing services
• Case management for mental health
• Outreach services
• Culturally-based Indigenous services, with a focus on holistic wellness
• Shelter and transitional services

A second HART Hub, which formally opened in December, is located in the Community Resource Centre at 721 Wellington Street and is actively delivering services to further expand access to culturally relevant care in the community.

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and building on the Roadmap to Wellness, the province is taking action to connect individuals to integrated mental health and addictions services, where and when they need it.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Today's announcement is another major milestone in providing Indigenous-led primary care, mental health services and social supports for community members throughout the region. These new Hubs will provide those facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges with culturally relevant care and support they need to get on the road to recovery."

- The Hon. Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

"HART Hubs are a testament to this government’s commitment to addressing the mental health and addiction needs across the province. These Hubs are focused on connecting people to treatment and breaking the cycle of addiction, giving them the opportunity to reclaim their lives. HART Hubs provide a safe and welcoming space for those who need immediate support, so they can have positive long-term results."

- John Jordan
MPP, Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston

"Congratulations to Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation on the grand opening of the Maamwesying Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. This remarkable milestone reflects a strong commitment to compassionate, community-centered healing. As part of a provincial initiative, the HART Hub will make a meaningful and lasting difference for individuals and families through its vital programs and services."

- Bill Rosenberg
MPP, Algoma—Manitoulin

"Our people and our communities need and deserve Indigenous-led health and social services to respond to the addictions and homelessness crisis. Maamwesying is proud to partner with Minister Sylvia Jones and the Ontario government on this HART Hub which engages local Indigenous organizations to support our people with a circle of multi-dimensional care for complex needs. Indigenous health in Indigenous hands works for our communities."

- Carol Eshkakogan
Chief Executive Officer, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services

"All communities in the North Shore Tribal Council are committed to this HART Hub that will help our families struggling with the opioid epidemic, building bridges between silos. This will support an established and trusted network to integrate care for our people both on and off reserve. Thank you to Premier Ford for continuing to recognize the leadership of Maamwesying and the importance of investing in Indigenous services as a recovery pathway."

- Allan Moffatt
Chief Executive Officer, Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council

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