Update:
Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that the province providing $176 million to expand access to mental health and addictions programs and services.
The announcement comes during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
"With the COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario, it is more apparent than ever that we need to ensure that we have the capacity to safety address the healthcare needs of the people of Ontario," said Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of Health. "That includes the need for mental health and addictions services."
This funding will help address urgent gaps in care, enhance access to mental health and addictions services, create new supports and expand programs in several priority areas, including:
- Community-based services in English and French, including services for children and youth;
- Mental health and justice services;
- Supportive housing for individuals with serious mental health and addiction challenges, and who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless;
- Community and residential addictions, including treatment and care for opioid addictions;
- Increased supports for Indigenous peoples, families, and communities; and
- More hospital in-patient beds for mental health and addiction patients.
Original information:
Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; and Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, for today's provincial COVID-19 update from Queen's Park.
The announcement is expected to begin at 1 p.m.
Village Media will carry the livestream once it begins, so please stay tuned.
