NEWMARKET — 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.
“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.
“This 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.”
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.