New facilities to be built in Caledon and Toronto
The Ontario government is expanding access to mental health and rehabilitation treatment for first responders affected by work-related stress or trauma.
This funding builds on the $10.7 million the government previously invested to support early capital planning for Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s two new facilities.
The announcement was made today in Caledon.
“We owe a huge debt to our first responders, who make incredible sacrifices every day to keep families and communities across Ontario safe,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“By investing in mental health and rehabilitation treatment for first responders provided by the dedicated team at Runnymede Healthcare Centre, we’re helping give back to our brave women and men so they can access the critical supports they need.”
The province said the sites will deliver Post Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI) rehabilitation-focused programs and services tailored to the needs of first responders and support them throughout their journey to recovery.
Services include mental health assessments, rehabilitation and residential treatment, virtual care, 24/7 crisis support, peer support and navigation support.
The Caledon site will provide 40 residential beds to connect first responders to tailored and comprehensive treatment services.
In Toronto, the new facility will focus on providing rehabilitative services including assessment, intensive outpatient therapy, and aftercare, while housing recreation programs and facilities that encourage health and recovery.
A construction schedule will be confirmed once future planning is complete and the project is tendered and awarded.
“Ontario is proud to be home to world-class first responders who put their lives on the line every day to support and care for families across the province,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“By investing in Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s PTSI Centre of Excellence project, our government is building on our work through the Roadmap to Wellness to improve access to mental health services, ensuring our first responders can connect to targeted, comprehensive supports where and when they are needed most.”
It is estimated up to 23 per cent of first responders and public safety personnel suffer from PTSI, a higher rate than that of the general population.
