Provincial funding to help battle opioid crisis

The funding is part of $222 million announced province-wide, as part of Ontario’s Strategy to Prevent Opioid Addiction and Overdose. The Waterloo Wellington LHIN worked in partnership with local addiction and mental health providers to allocate the funding to initiatives that will have the greatest immediate impact in addressing the current opioid crisis.

The funding includes almost $1 million for Guelph and Wellington, with funding across the LHIN benefiting all local residents. See backgrounder for detailed initiatives and funding information.

Quotes

“I am very pleased that as part of the Province’s co-ordinated strategy, Guelph Homewood, Guelph Community Health Centre and Stonehenge are being given funds to assist in their fight against opioid addiction and overdose in our community. These funds will help make a difference in the lives of those who are addicted to opioids. “

— Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph

“Addressing this tragic public health crisis requires a whole of community strategy, with all of our partners working together. My heart goes out to the many families who have already been affected by opioid addiction and overdose – we need to do better. These investments will put more supports on the ground immediately to support residents as we work together as a community on short and long-term strategies.”

— Bruce Lauckner, CEO, WWLHIN

“The devastating impact of opioid use disorder and overdose has reached every community in Ontario, and crosses all demographics. Our government has been working closely with partners across the province to combat this urgent issue for more than a year, and we are continuing to strengthen our strategy and increase harm reduction, addiction treatment and other supports. It is through this collaborative, evidence-based and comprehensive approach that we will be able to effectively address this crisis and save lives.”

— Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Quick Facts

• Announced in fall 2016, Ontario’s comprehensive Strategy to Prevent Opioid Addiction and Overdose is ensuring people in pain receive appropriate treatment, increasing access to holistic treatment for those with opioid use disorder, and improving the safety and health of people who use opioids, including access to the life-saving drug naloxone.
• Over the next three years, Ontario is investing more than $222 million province-wide to combat the opioid crisis in Ontario, including expanding harm reduction services, hiring more front-line staff and improving access to addictions supports across the province.
• Naloxone kits are distributed for free across Ontario. Find the location nearest you.
• Ontario is establishing an Opioid Emergency Task Force that will include a province-wide representation of front-line workers and people with lived experience to strengthen the province’s coordinated response to the opioid crisis.

Learn More

Information about the Waterloo Wellington LHIN and its Board of Directors is available on the Waterloo Wellington LHIN website at www.wwlhin.on.ca. 

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