September 15, 2006

GUELPH – The McGuinty government is investing up to $4.3 million to improve and expand community mental health services in the Guelph area, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"We're on the side of Guelph-area residents who need the support that these expanded services will provide," said Smitherman. "Today's announcement is another example of this government's commitment to delivering improved, community-based, mental health services."

The $4.3 million grant for the Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC) Guelph Wellington and Dufferin will :

• Provide funding for the CMHC to buy and renovate a property creating a consolidated, central site for the organization, which currently operates out of various locations
• Allow the CMHC to expand the services it offers, benefiting more than 400 additional clients each year.

"I am so pleased that Minister Smitherman has approved this new funding for our local CMHC. Consolidating community mental health programs at one location will enable CMHC to provide more effective service for their clients in Guelph and the surrounding area", said Liz Sandals, MPP, Guelph-Wellington

"This funding will change the face of mental health services in Guelph," said Vernon Lediett, Executive Director of the Community Mental Health Clinic Guelph Wellington and Dufferin. "This benefits so many people. Our current clients, the new clients we'll be able to help, our staff and the general community will all feel the positive impact."

The CMHC is the lead provider of mental health services in the Guelph area, offering programs for children, adults and seniors, as well as developmental and crisis services.

This is just the latest example of how the McGuinty government is on the side of Ontario families wanting quality community-based services. Other initiatives include :

• Investing $117.8 million to improve home care and community support services
• Providing $75 million over three years to create an additional 22 Community Health Centres and 17 satellites to improve access to the full range of primary care services, including health promotion and disease prevention
• Investing $68.5 million to improve access to community-based mental health services for 22,910 more Ontarians this year.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

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