November 15, 2018
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) is pleased to see that today’s Fall Economic Statement confirmed the Ontario government’s commitment to a $1.9B investment over ten years on mental health and addictions services, matching the federal government’s 2017 budget commitment.
“For far too long there has been too much talking and not enough action on addiction and mental health. AMHO commends the Ontario government for its promise kept on a 10 year, $1.9B investment. We look forward to working together to improve the lives of those living with addiction and mental health challenges,” said Adrienne Spafford, CEO, AMHO.
Included in the Fall Economic Statement were specific commitments to prioritize reduction in wait times, provide faster access to mental health and opioid addiction treatment and an expansion to the scope and coverage of Rapid Access Addictions Treatment (RAAM) clinics.
“Over the past five years, there’s been a 21% increase in hospital emergency department visits by people with mental illness and emergency department visits and hospitalization for children and youth with mental illness and addiction have gone up 63% and 67% respectively. Addressing hallway medicine means investing in community mental health and addictions services,” continued Spafford.
AMHO will continue to work with the government on improving mental health and addictions services in Ontario and ending hallway medicine.
View the 2018 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review here
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