DURHAM POLITICIANS HOPE TO CREATE A NEW MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION FACILITY IN OSHAWA

DURHAM POLITICIANS HOPE TO CREATE A NEW MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION FACILITY IN OSHAWA DECEMBER 2025 WILL MARK FIVE YEARS since I organized an evening walk among several of my peers – to highlight, among other things, the plight of the homeless on the streets of downtown Oshawa. It was a cold night, and we learned a great deal through what could only be described as an eye-opening experience, one that led me to published five lengthy essays on the topic of homelessness – from many perspectives. Since that time I have reflected on the values that cause many of us to care deeply about how the situation is evolving, particularly with regard to the continued absence of services for mental health and addictions treatment. After years what may seem like a lot of talk and little action, it appears there may be a glimmer of hope for those most vulnerable. At a recent meeting of Durham Region Council, a motion regarding the establishment of a new urgent care & emergency department focused on mental health and addictions was brought forward by Oshawa’s Mayor Dan Carter. Discussion ensued with respect to the reasons for the project being led by Lakeridge Health, the anticipated timeline for a decision and implementation, the inclusion of high priority neighbourhoods, and how all of this would help individuals in the community. Lakeridge Health Oshawa has space for, and a commitment to, just such a proposal – but requires a $30 million initial capital investment. It’s no secret to any political observer that the Province is more responsive to communities who are willing to make a funding commitment to such a project. As such, the motion brought forward by Mayor Carter includes a contribution from local taxpayers of up to $2.25 million for this project, subject to approval and further financing by the Ministry of Health. The motion passed by way of a unanimous vote by those councillors in attendance. In an effort to share with my readers the meaning of what took place, I offer the following insight by way of notes taken by me during the meeting. Mayor Carter described in detail why this endeavor is so important at such a critical time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Thank you, Mr Chair. I have a copy of the document that the Region put together to be able to make sure that (Health) Minister (Sylvia) Jones has a clear understanding of some of the challenges the Region has, and what this concept could do in regards to meeting the needs of individuals.” “As you are all aware, we have been working on this for 18 months. I’ve had personal meetings with the Premier…and we continue to have meetings with those associated with it, to the point I’ll be meeting with the Premier at his home on September 25th once again to talk about this particular issue, because we really, truly want to be able to bring it across the (finish) line.” “I’m pleased to be able to say that my meeting yesterday with Lakeridge Health, along with our senior leadership team, has confirmed their foundations are willing to be able to commit $10-million towards this project, and I think that shows once again that there is support, not only by the hospital, but by the community.” “At this particular time, there is a frustration, not only with EMS (emergency medical services) and policing, but also with those who work in the Emergency room that, unfortunately, the environment is not conducive in regards to people who are having serious mental health and addiction challenges at a particular time, based on the toxicity of the drugs that are being distributed these days.” “I’m pleased to be able to say that Lakeridge Health has also signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with CAMH (Centre for Addiction & Mental Health), experts in this field, to be part of this initiative. So that makes me feel even more confident of having the right care at the right time – but this has to be a continuum care, and all of us are committed to that…and now that Durham Region has been awarded two Heart Hubs, one in Oshawa and one in Whitby at 1635 Dundas, I think that gives us a true opportunity to be able to see people getting a long-term, changeable type of care.” “This particular department will play a significant role in regards to taking the pressure away from the Emergency room itself, and take the chaos away. It’ll also release the police and EMS within a 20 minute period based upon what Lakeridge believes they are able to deliver under this environment, and I think that’s very significant – because we’ve heard of anywhere between two hours to 13 hours where we have two paramedics and two police officers held up in the Emergency Ward.” “Yesterday, our friend Alex Nettle (Mayor of Barrie Ontario), made a ‘State of Emergency’ in Barrie, and that’s too bad that he had to go to that extreme, but the impact on his community and the associated impact on other local communities is so significant.” “In my opinion, this is an emergency, not just for our community, but it’s an emergency across this country. We are still losing too many people and too many people are suffering with the most severe drug toxicity that I’ve ever seen on the market. At what point do we have to say we must do things different? We’ve lost 60,000 people in about six years to drug toxicity across this country, and I’m not willing to stand by and do nothing – and I think that, with the support of the (Regional) Chair, the Chair of Health & Social Services, our CAO, and my colleagues here in this chamber – I’m hoping you’ll support this initiative.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The ball is now in the Province’s court, and time alone will show the results of any further meetings between local politicians and Premier Doug Ford. One can only hope our Provincial government takes the steps that are necessary to do something concrete in coming to grips with a growing crisis that has enveloped so many of our communities. Should this initiative actually come to fruition, the next logical step would be a policy of involuntary treatment for those who are shown to need it the most – for their own safety and well-being and that of the people around them.