Newmarket is set to become home to a new mental health and addictions hub, a development that has been eagerly anticipated by community members and mental health advocates. Jim Eliopoulos, a local resident, knows firsthand the importance of quality mental health services. His son, Jake, a promising baseball player drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, struggled with ADHD and Tourette’s growing up. After leaving home for university, Jake fell into a deep depression. Despite multiple treatment attempts, including stays at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Jake tragically died by suicide in 2013.
Reflecting on his family’s experience, Eliopoulos expressed his support for the new hub. “The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe and its partners are helping to seal some of the cracks in our mental health system, so we can provide better hope, relief, and outcomes,” he said.
The mental health crisis and addictions hub, in the planning stages for years, is now moving forward. The Ontario government announced it would issue a call for proposals this summer to award a construction contract for the hub. The facility will be located at 17255 Yonge St., across from the York Region Administrative Centre.
The hub aims to provide comprehensive mental health and addiction services under one roof. It will streamline care by connecting individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with appropriate services, reducing the burden on hospital emergency departments. The hub will also coordinate police and paramedic drop-offs, primary care referrals, and walk-in support.
Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region South Simcoe, has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition since at least 2016. “I am beyond excited about today’s announcement,” Shields said. “Together, we can truly solve and support better crisis care in our community.”
The announcement was made on July 3 at York Region’s Administrative Centre, with Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasizing the provincial government’s commitment to mental health support. “This project is a great example of how government is working hand in hand with community and health-care partners to make it easier for people to connect to world-class mental health and addictions support,” Jones said.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor shared a personal story underscoring the need for the hub. In his first year as mayor, a neighbor sought his help after discovering a man who had died by suicide in a nearby forest. “That obviously affects you and really hits home for me as mayor,” Taylor said. “The fact of the matter is this facility will save lives.”
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy has been a long-time advocate for the hub. “We know we have our challenge and we know we need to ensure our residents have easy access to our health-care system, that is easy to understand and transparent,” she said.
The province initially announced $200,000 in funding for the hub’s planning in December 2020. Although no new funds were announced during this latest update, Shields confirmed the construction will be a provincial project. Minister Jones acknowledged the delays but highlighted the importance of committed partners throughout the process.
While no completion timeline has been provided, the call for proposals marks a significant step forward. Shields assured that due diligence will be conducted at all levels to ensure the project meets government requirements and progresses towards opening.
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