Brampton, September 23, 2022 – As part of Recovery Month, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) welcomed Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo, to Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) in Brampton.
Leadership from both AMHO and PCHS were excited for the opportunity to speak with the Associate Minister about the important role that community-based mental health and substance use services play in the Peel Region and across Ontario.
“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with the Associate Minister and demonstrate firsthand how access to mental health and substance use care benefits the community,” said Alisha Tharani, CEO of AMHO. “Recovery Month is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the importance of the systems and people that support recovery, and we look forward to continuing to work with Minister Tibollo and the provincial government to help Ontarians on their recovery journey.”
Recovery Month is held every September and is an opportunity for Ontarians to destigmatize addiction and celebrate recovery. In 2021, it was officially recognized by the Government of Ontario, making this it’s second official iteration.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s overdose death rate has increased by 80 per cent, and 2021’s overdose rates are three times higher than what they were only five years ago. Responding urgently to the overdose crisis was a major component of AMHO’s 2022 budget recommendations, and AMHO will continue advocating for more and better support for mental health and substance use services across Ontario.
It is important to recognize that recovery means different things to different people, and that services must be made available when and where people need them.
PCHS is a Brampton-based organization which provides programs and services to people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. For over 30 years, PCHS has served a diverse community with an array of culturally appropriate services.
“Our team at PCHS is proud to help members of our community in their path to recovery,” said Baldev Mutta, CEO of PCHS. “However, in our community, like many others, we are experiencing a massive increase in demand for mental health services, and we need the government’s support to continue to grow to ensure all Ontarians have access to the support they need, when they need it.”
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