Strategic Priority 2 of the CSWBP is to improve the care, respect, and outcome for mental health and addictions (MHA). The misuse of opioids continues to be a public health concern in our city and across the country. The opioid crisis in Timmins is significantly impacting the Indigenous population in our community.
Data from local partners confirms the significant number increase in Timmins and District Hospital visits, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Timmins Police Service (TPS) involvement related to mental health, self-harm, and addictions.
Mental health and addictions doesn't impact one target population; it would be easier to manage if that were the case. Mental health and addiction affects all social and economic groups; however, individuals who are homeless are at higher risk of more addictions.
Lead Action Table:
Cochrane District Addiction and Mental Health Planning Table (A&MH) enables sustainable system development and collective accountability for the addictions and mental health clients, services, and system.
Table Composition:
- Representative(s) of the health sector
- Representative(s) of the addiction and mental health sector
- Employee of the municipality
- Representative(s) of police services
- Representative(s) of an entity that provides custodial services to children/youth
- Representative(s) of Ontario Health
- Representative(s) of the community/social services sector
- Person(s) who services the vulnerable population
- Representative(s) of Emergency Services
- Representative(s) of Nishnawbe Aski Nation
- Community Members
- Person(s) with lived or living experiences
Targeted Outcomes:
- Improved system navigation for MHA services and support for all (barrier-free, umbrella of care, cost management approach).
- Reduction of overdose-opioid deaths via collaborative approach in harm reduction, treatment, prevention and enforcement.
- Reduce incidence and prevalence of problematic substance use and dependence.
- Increase community-wide education and awareness on the harm of substance use.