A new mobile HART hub is officially on the road. / Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp Facebook photo
A new mobile HART hub has hit the road to reach people struggling with mental health and addiction in every corner of Hastings and Prince Edward counties, including in rural communities, say advocates.
This initiative is part of the new homeless and addiction recovery treatment (HART) hubs mobile outreach program, which will bring critical supports directly to people in need, according to a recent release.
“The vast majority of those experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions challenges in our communities were born and raised here,” said Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services Chief Carl Bowker, in the release. “Whether they’re in an urban or rural area across our counties, they deserve care and support.
“They’re our neighbours, our friends and our family. Without help, they’ll continue to slip through the cracks,” continued Bowker.
The mobile units are staffed by trained paramedics and mental health and addictions professionals, and outreach teams will build off a model first launched in Belleville, which has helped reduce pressure on emergency rooms, ambulance services and law enforcement, noted advocates. With this move, that model is expanding across both counties, as well as into Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
“Doing nothing means more addiction, encampments and preventable deaths from the toxic drug crisis,” said Brandi Hodge, United Way Hastings and Prince Edward’s executive director. “Outreach, especially culturally-appropriate care, is a safer, smarter, more compassionate solution and it’s now available for people.”
The official launch was marked in Stirling at the paramedic base on Stirling Marmora Road.
Online, Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp called the launch a great announcement.
The north and south teams will partner paramedics and CMHA Hastings Prince Edward mental health workers to reach people struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions where they are, he said.
“The teams help overcome transportation barriers and reduce pressures on the hub and local health-care services,” he continued.
He also said that the two mobile vehicles are operating 12 hours daily, and soon there may be mobile clinics set up in rural communities.
“Since implementing the proactive model at the Bridge Integrated Care Hub in Belleville, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in emergency ambulance response,” Allsopp added.
Anyone can call to ask for help from the outreach team, whether for themselves, a neighbour or loved one. If experiencing a crisis, call 613-771-9366 ext. 500.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
