For Immediate Release

July 13, 2005

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT EXPANDS COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS
$644,496 Investment Means Better Access To Services For More People

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is investing $644,496 so that people with mental illness in Kingston will have better access to quality care in their communities, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“People suffering from mental illness in Kingston will now be able to get the care they need closer to home”, said Gerretsen. “This funding will make a significant difference in improving the quality and support services that our local community organizations provide.”

The funding announced today is part of an overall government investment of $57 million in 2005/06 so that 34,000 more Ontarians can have better access to community-based mental health services. These services include expanded case management, crisis response and early intervention, addiction treatment programs, as well as improved support for families and caregivers.

The funding breakdown for community organizations is as follows:

Mental Health Services Funding:
Peer Support of Kingston - Psychiatric Survivors of Kingston $1,702
Hotel Dieu Hospital - Family Court Clinic - $302,074
Kingston General Hospital - ACTT $18,450
Providence Continuing Care Centre – Kingston Mobile and Outreach Services $58,694
Frontenac Community Mental Health Services – Kingston Friendship Homes $228,739
Kingston Sexual Assault Crisis Centre - $ 1,303

Addiction Support Services
Options for Change – Community Addictions Treatment Services - $10,888
Hotel Dieu Hospital – Detoxification Centre - $12,902
The Salvation Army of Canada – Harbour Light House Central - $6,133

Supportative Housing Funding:
Frontenac Community Mental Health Services $2,681
Salvation Army of Canada – Harbour Light Centre $930

“By allowing more people to receive the care they need in their communities instead of in institutions, we are helping to lift the stigma that surrounds mental illness," said Smitherman. “With this investment thousands more people can receive care professionals they know and trust, closer to home."

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.
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