Ontario hospital group teaming up with CAMH to ‘transform’ mental health care

Lakeridge Health and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will unveil a first-of-its-kind partnership aimed at “transforming” mental health care in Durham Region at an announcement at Oshawa Hospital Friday morning.

The announcement will include an “agreement to work together,” said Sharon Navarro, Lakeridge Health’s Manager of Public Relations & Digital Communications, who didn’t want to reveal too many details before Friday’s press conference.

“It’s about bringing the expertise together for collaboration.”

With more than 100,000 mental health visits annually at Lakeridge Health and the increasing need for mental health and addictions supports in the community, the new partnership with CAMH has been high on the wish list for the hospital, which already boasts mental health services for child & youth, an Indigenous Addiction and Mental Health outreach worker and the Pinewood Addiction Centre.

The hospital group has also launched Central Connect, which allows patients and health-care providers to easily make new referrals into the mental health and addictions programs, and the Rapid Access Medicine Clinic, which offers fast access to quality care for people living with alcohol and opioid-related addictions.

Friday’s announcement in Oshawa will feature key leaders from both organizations, a signing ceremony and a photo opportunity.

“This collaboration will spark transformative change in Durham Region, improving the lives of those living with mental health challenges and empowering them to embark on a path toward best health, resilience, and success,” Lakeridge Health said in a news release.

The press conference will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.