Ontario is investing $28 million in local mental health and addictions organizations to provide care closer to home for people who are experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.
Each of the 14 Local Health Integration Networks is investing an additional $2 million for 2014/15 in community-based mental health and addictions services.
Ontario is also creating a province-wide registry of mental health beds to connect those experiencing a mental health crisis with the closest available bed.
Read: How employers can address mental health issues
Currently, there are 4,700 in-patient mental health beds in more than 80 facilities across Ontario.
The province estimates that 30% of Ontarians will experience a mental health and/or substance abuse challenge at some point in their lifetime, with one out of 40 Ontarians experiencing a serious mental illness.
By continuing to invest in community services, we’re helping to connect people with the support they need closer to home through settings that are more culturally appropriate and personal,” says Dr. Eric Hoskins, minister of health and long-term care.
Want other related articles? Click here for more stories about mental health.
Also read: