Minister Robert Mitchell and Health and Wellness officials have revealed the plans for government’s $100 million investment in mental health and addictions infrastructure.
The Liberals announced the unprecedented $100 million as part of its’ capital budget two weeks ago, saying over the next five years the money would go towards facilities that will deliver more accessible and better integrated care across the province.
The highlights include the following facilities in order of their scheduled completion:
- E-Mental Health Solutions for real-time access to information, resources, tools, and supports;
- Four Community Access Centres/Hubs for treatments, rehabilitation, and supports for Islanders closer to home;
- New Structured Housing Unit and Adult Day Treatment Program site for patients transitioning from hospital to the community and day treatment for patients who don’t require hospitalization;
- A new dedicated Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department and Acute Stabilization Unit at the QEH;new Mental Health Residential Services for long-term housing with support for those living with mental illness;
- A new provincial Acute Mental Health and Addictions Hospital for in-patient care.
Also part of the plan is a Mobile Crisis Team that would respond to mental health and addiction situations in communities.
Minister Mitchell says they’re not simply replacing the aged and outdated Hillsborough Hospital but rather addressing critical gaps in mental health and addiction programs, services, and resources that Islanders have asked for.
$450-thousand will be spent this fiscal year on developing the infrastructure plan for the new program sites and facilities, with details to include specific locations, proposed designs, and budgets for each component.