Federal investment to strengthen community response to the opioid crisis

CTV London’s Lauren Stallone with a federal funding announcement to help St. Thomas agencies respond to the opioid crisis.

Local leaders announced a federal investment Wednesday afternoon they say will improve addiction and mental health services in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

“We have the opportunity to celebrate a federal investment of $640,326 over two years through Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund,” said Deanna Huggett, executive director of the Elgin Ontario Health Team.

Leaders say the investment will help strengthen the local response to opioid-related harms by enhancing access to care and supporting culturally safe approaches to healing and wellness.

“We will be able to make it easier for people to talk to someone when they need support most through faster, flexible, one conversation at a time counselling and coaching focused on what matters to them,” explained Huggett.

The Elgin Ontario Health Team explained the funding will expand its outreach so those struggling with addiction can receive help without additional barriers.

“We are also going to put more local helpers with training in compassionate, trauma-aware care so every interaction feels safe,” added Huggett.

Local MP Peter Fragiskatos was also in attendance. He says the funding addresses the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across Ontario.

“The effects in terms of overdoses, in terms of social — in particular, the breakdown of families that continues to happen — and of course the strain on services we see, especially in our hospitals,” said Fragiskatos.

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston said he is proud to see community partners working together to create meaningful change.

“We’ve proven our medal at the provincial and federal level to say, ‘Well, let St. Thomas try it, they will show you how to do it right,’” said Preston.

Leaders said Wednesday’s announcement is just the beginning, and they will continue to work toward putting an end to opioid-related harms.