The government of Ontario is providing direct mental health and addictions funding to 12 hospitals across the province, which will go towards adding a total of over 50 new mental health beds. The goal is to help lower wait times for those in need of inpatient mental health and addictions treatment.

The government is also engaging with health care leaders, subject matter experts, sector partners and associations, health service providers and people with lived experience to identify mental health and addiction needs across the province.

“These discussions will help inform decisions as we move forward with finally building a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system in Ontario,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, in a press release. “Our government is committed to an Ontario where patients don’t need to be in crisis to get the mental health and addictions treatment they need, when they need it. We will continue to make mental health a priority and work toward creating an Ontario where everyone is fully supported in their journey toward mental wellness.”

This investment is part of the province’s commitment to invest a total of $3.8 billion over the next decade to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy.