Grey Bruce Health Services has selected a location for a new wellness and treatment centre to support individuals with addictions and mental health issues.
The new centre will be located in the former Bayview Public School at 6th Street A East in Owen Sound.
The hospital organization received funding earlier this year from the Ministry of Health to add 36 beds to serve the growing number of individuals in the region in need of addiction and mental health services.
GBHS says it has seen a 70 per cent increase in the past six years of opioid related hospitalizations. It says emergency department visits related to opioid use have tripled.
In April, Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo announced about $6 million for the beds would be coming to the region, after discussion with GBHS Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services Naomi Vodden, who has been advocating for the model of care that is coming to Owen Sound, as well as meetings with staff and GBHS President and CEO Gary Sims.
Tibollo said Monday, “Our government’s goal is to make sure Ontarians get treatment and supports where and when they need it.”
GBHS says the existing nine-bed Withdrawal Management Services building on 9th Avenue in Owen Sound was unable to accommodate such an extensive expansion.
It says renovations at the former school will begin shortly, and are expected to take about a year to complete.
All services on 9th Avenue will be consolidated into the new location.
Sims says, ” Hospitals are not well-suited to the types of care and treatment required by individuals with addictions,” adding, “We are excited to open a purpose-built centre, with the right environment, staffing and services under one roof to ensure the best outcomes for clients.”
GBHS says in its release, “The wellness centre will provide a safe environment for men and women in need of additional and extended support for their recovery journey. These individuals often struggle with homelessness, unemployment, isolation and access to healthcare.”
The project is the first of its kind in this area, and will have the capacity to accommodate inpatient and outpatient services.
The hospital organization says clients coming to the wellness centre will be able to start in a withdrawal management program and graduate into relapse prevention therapy. The centre will also offer longer-term treatment and supported living units onsite.
GBHS says the centre will include space for Indigenous healing; spiritual care; recreational therapy for group activities; and community partner space.
They also add, community agencies are interested in working with GBHS to support clients with educational and vocational opportunities within the centre. Once further funding is secured, the plan is to add a teaching kitchen and greenhouse to provide life-skills training. Updates on the project will be posted at www.gbhs.on.ca.