By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
If funding is forthcoming, a new withdrawal management facility at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance could be treating patients before the end of the year.
A one-time $500,000 request for funding for a 10-bed detox centre was the first big ask put before Chatham-Kent council during the initial unveiling of the Chatham-Kent’s draft 2022 budget before council.
The deputation, made by CKHA CEO Lori Marshall and VP of mental health and addictions Alan Stevenson, stated the money would be put towards $1.2-million in renovations to repurpose a building, used in year’s past for mental health services.
Marshall said the need for the withdrawal management services are evident, with Chatham-Kent being the only major centre in Southwestern Ontario that does not offer the service.
Local residents are forced to go out of town, she explained, which often leads to people refusing to seek help.
Having a detoxification facility also helps take the pressure off the hospital, Marshall said, creating a more appropriate treatment option for the addicted.
The new facility would run 24-hours a day, seven days a week, if it gets off the ground, and would offer outpatient as well as residential treatment.
According to Stevenson, the plan is contingent on approval from Ontario Health to fund the centre’s ongoing operating costs on a year-by-year basis.
If given the green light, Stevenson a plan has been developed to offer withdrawal management on a smaller scale until renovations can be made.
He said the hospital expects to hear from the Ministry of Health on the matter before the end of the fiscal year on March 31.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew said she’s in full support of constructing a withdrawal management facility.
“The crisis is at our doorstep and we need to address it,” Crew told council.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor said she too would support the new facility, adding it will end up saving the municipality money.
“We will see savings come back through a reduction in services, “McGregor.
The matter will be part of the Chatham-Kent budget deliberations over the next couple of weeks.
