City to provide additional support to help protect vulnerable populations

BRANTFORD, ON – Protecting the health and well-being of all individuals continues to be a key priority for the City of Brantford. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on many of us, however, vulnerable populations have been adversely affected most acutely. In response, the City of Brantford, with funding provided by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, will be able to provide additional supports to those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.

The Province of Ontario is providing one-time funding of $100,000 to the City of Brantford. This funding is part of the government's $176 million investment in the Roadmap to Wellness, a comprehensive plan to build a fully connected mental health and addictions system across the province. The flexible funding will help address the pandemic needs of vulnerable individuals living with mental health and/or addiction issues to ensure they are able to continue accessing the supports they need safely during the ongoing pandemic.

In close consultation with the Brant Community Healthcare System, the City will provide funding to local partners including; Canadian Mental Health Association (Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk), Grand River Community Health Centre, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, St. Leonard’s Community Services and Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services.

With this additional much needed financial support, local partners will be able to add more staff and hence more hours to provide crisis support services to those in need in our community. Partners can provide mental health medication assistance for clients experiencing financial crisis and additional supports at shelters to assist with screening and referrals. The incremental funding also allows partners to assist with temporary shelter options for clients and allow for additional technology purchases to aid agencies in delivering mental health and addictions programming safely.

It’s normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health. To learn about positive coping strategies and information on where to go for local support, please visit Brantford.ca/NeighboursHelpingNeighbours.

Quotes

“I am very proud of the City’s efforts in supporting Brantford’s most vulnerable citizens. The City is grateful for provincial funding to strengthen our local response to those suffering from mental health and addictions issues, especially at this uniquely challenging time. We are fully committed to continuing to work closely with our community partners to enhance their ability to support those who are most vulnerable in our community.” - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis

“Our government is strengthening mental health and addiction supports for people who are experiencing homelessness in communities that have been hit hard by COVID-19. This funding will help provide programs right here in Brantford to ensure people living with these challenges continue to receive the support they need safely during the pandemic.” - Will Bouma MPP Brantford - Brant

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Heather Carvalho | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | hcarvalho@brantford.ca