The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent (CMHA LK), have announced that all outpatient mental health services will be moving to 240 Grand Avenue West, CMHA LK’s current location.
The move, scheduled for this month, will provide more convenient access to mental health care in Chatham-Kent.
“As mental health continues to be a growing concern, mental health care needs to be convenient and accessible for the community,” says Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, in a press release.
“Increased collaboration between Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Canadian Mental Health Association, Lambton-Kent will benefit our patients and their families.”
Dr. Rizwan Rafiq, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director Mental Health Services, CKHA, says the relocation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s outpatient mental health services will enable their team to maintain a high quality of care.
“While also increasing the ease of access for patients,” he said.
“CKHA continues to provide mental health emergency services and inpatient care for those who require hospital-based services.”
The anticipated move will see all out-patient mental health services currently located at CKHA move to 240 Grand Avenue West. This includes, Mental Health Counseling and Treatment; Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic; Early Psychosis Intervention Program – Today Not Tomorrow (TNT); Psychogeriatric Mental Health Outreach Team (PMHOT); Addictions Assessment; Treatment and Referral Program; Concurrent Disorders Program; Problem Gambling; and Eating Disorders.
“Bringing mental health and addictions services together in Chatham-Kent will make it easier for people needing help to get the right services at the right time in the community,” says Alan Stevenson, CEO, CMHA LK.
The streamlined approach is also expected to reduce mental health related visits to the Emergency Department by providing more comprehensive and efficient access to mental health services in Chatham-Kent.
“The convenience of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s mental health services being located in the same building as our local branch of Canadian Mental Health Association is immeasurable to members of our community who access mental health services,” says Mark Deneau, patient advisor, CKHA.
To accommodate the move, CKHA’s Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions program will be closed Friday, March 9 and reopen at the 240 Grand Avenue location Monday, March 12. Pending minor renovations, CKHA and CMHA LK will announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to take place once the move is complete.
For more information on Mental Health & Addiction services available through the CKHA please visit, www.ckha.on.ca.
In the event of a mental health emergency, individuals are encouraged to call 1-866-299-7447 to speak to a Mental Health First Response Team Member, visit the nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 for emergency assistance.
