Ontario Government Invests $2.9 Million in Safe Sobering Beds in Thunder Bay

September 19, 2024 Samantha Deschamps

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario government is strengthening its commitment to mental health and addiction care in Northern Ontario by investing over $2.9 million in the creation of 15 safe sobering beds in Thunder Bay. The funding will be provided to St. Joseph’s Care Group to offer a safe, culturally appropriate space for individuals under the influence of substances to rest and receive necessary care.

The initiative aims to reduce the strain on emergency departments and minimize police involvement by providing immediate, trauma-informed support for those struggling with substance use. According to Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, “With this investment, we’re ensuring communities like Thunder Bay have access to culturally appropriate mental health and addictions supports.” Tibollo emphasized that the government is committed to addressing gaps in care across Northern Ontario.

Ontario is investing over $2.9 million in 15 safe sobering beds at St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay, making it easier for people under the influence of substances to access a safe place to sleep and get the care they need.

Learn more: https://t.co/HM7e1esC0V. pic.twitter.com/iTmDq3kFIn

— Ontario Ministry of Health (@ONThealth) September 19, 2024

Safe sobering beds are a voluntary service, offering individuals a place to stay for up to 24 hours. During this time, they can access further community resources and healthcare, including withdrawal management services and Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics.

This new investment is part of a broader effort by the Ontario government to provide high-quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction services in Thunder Bay. Some of the additional initiatives include:

Youth Wellness Hub: Launching in 2025, the new hub will provide youth aged 12 to 25, along with their families, access to free mental health, substance use, and Indigenous well-being services.
Addictions Recovery Fund: Over $2.4 million is being invested annually for the next three years to add 34 new addictions treatment beds in Thunder Bay.
Mobile Crisis Response Team: A new paramedic-led team will assist people experiencing homelessness or mental health crises without involving law enforcement.

“Our investment to expand safer sober beds will ensure people in Thunder Bay can connect to the mental health care and support services they need, when they need it, closer to home,” added Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

These initiatives fall under Ontario’s broader healthcare strategy, Your Health: A Plan For Connected and Convenient Care, which includes over 50 hospital development projects across the province, adding 3,000 new beds over the next decade.

This expanded support in Thunder Bay is part of a province-wide effort to improve mental health services, making it easier and faster for people to connect with care where and when they need it.