The Canadian Mental Health Association of Algoma and contributing partners have submitted an application to the Government of Ontario for a HART (Homelessness, Addictions Recovery & Treatment) Hub to be located in Sault Ste. Marie.
As homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues continue to grow in our community – and more people require assistance as a result – we badly need increased support from the province. The HART Hub program that has been announced by the government represents an opportunity to get people the help they need. Working with individuals, families and Indigenous communities on a daily basis, the team that submitted our proposal understands that low-barrier connections to services and critical support networks are foundational to the success of mental health and addictions treatment, life stabilization and aftercare programming that ensures vulnerable individuals can attain housing to achieve and maintain well-being and recovery.
The proposal we submitted thoroughly demonstrates the need for such a facility, provides a comprehensive description of operations, outlines how it will positively affect the community and emphasizes why our longstanding collaborative approach to health and well-being in our community makes Sault Ste. Marie an ideal candidate for a HART Hub.
In support of our application, we’re asking that community members send letters to the Minister of Health. We’ve made a template letter file available online, and the text of the letter is included below.
Date
sylvia.jones@ontario.ca
Honourable Sylvia Jones
Minister of Health
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2J3
Dear Minister Jones:
I am writing as a concerned resident of Sault Ste. Marie, compelled to address a crisis affecting our community’s well-being. Recent data released by the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, shows that Sault Ste. Marie continues to have the highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the province, along with rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations that are significantly above average.
These statistics highlight an urgent need for enhanced support from the Government of Ontario. Establishing a HART (Homelessness, Addictions Recovery & Treatment) Hub in Sault Ste. Marie is a vital step in addressing this crisis. Our community faces unique challenges that exacerbate the impacts of addiction and homelessness, such as limited access to comprehensive mental health and addiction services. A HART Hub would provide a much-needed, coordinated health care option that integrates addiction treatment, mental health services and housing supports, all within a single, accessible facility.
While we see tremendous efforts from local organizations, healthcare providers, and volunteers, this crisis requires a level of support that only the Provincial government can provide. I urge you to prioritize Sault Ste. Marie as a location for a HART Hub. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Supporting a HART Hub in Sault Ste. Marie
