Strengthening Mental Health and Addictions Care in Huron Perth

(Stratford, January 30, 2023) – Effective today, leading addiction and mental health agencies in Huron Perth, Choices for Change and Resilience Huron Perth, are pleased to announce their official transition to a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). The organization will now be known as CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services.

“Today is a very exciting day for our two agencies and their dedicated and committed staff. Now individuals in both Huron and Perth Counties experiencing mental health and addiction issues will be able to access the best possible care and services using a centralized and consistent intake process,” said CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services CEO Catherine Hardman. “Clients will only have one agency to tell their story to and one intake process, making it easier for clients to seek service and community partners to refer individuals.”

Becoming the 27^th branch of the CMHA in Ontario provides additional benefits for the newest agency, including the ability to leverage branch expertise and best practices across the province.

“CMHA has a 70-year history in Ontario and is a key player in the community mental health and addictions sector,” said Claudia den Boer, the supervisor appointed by Ontario Health to lead Resilience Huron Perth during this transition period.

“It’s reassuring to know there’s a strong branch network where you can find guidance, advice and staff support,” she said.

“As a sector, our goal is to support our communities through the delivery of much needed mental health and addiction programs and services. As such, we are delighted to welcome CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services into the CMHA family,” said CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville. “This newest addition today only adds to the strength of our network of branches in Ontario in the areas of case management, supportive housing and addiction recovery. We’re excited for the future and for what is to come.”

Fast facts:

• CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services has served approximately 2,662 individuals in the areas of case management, supportive housing, addiction recovery and related programs.

• CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health is now CMHA’s 27^th branch in Ontario.

• CMHAs in Ontario support more than 100,000 individuals each year with mental health and addictions programs and supports.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services is a local mental health and addictions agency which provides a variety of services, including addiction counselling for youth and adults, mental health case management, peer support, court support, counselling for problem gambling/behavioural change, supportive housing, community withdrawal management and more. Our goal is to provide quality services and easier access for those impacted by mental health and/or addiction issues in the communities across Huron and Perth.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 27 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 100,000 Ontarians each year.

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To arrange an interview, contact:

Justin Dickie
Communications
CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services
T: 416-203-0427
E: jdickie.ic@ontario.cmha.ca

Mike Feenstra
Branch Relations Lead
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
T: 647-767-4164
E: mfeenstra@ontario.cmha.ca