Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs

Transmitted by CNW Group on : September 10, 2007 11:57     TORONTO, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - Today's investment in community addictions treatment will mean better treatment for Ontarians struggling to overcome dependence on alcohol, illicit drugs and problem gambling. The announcement was welcomed by provincial addictions and mental health providers.            George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announced today that the Government of Ontario will provide community-based addiction agencies with a 8.7 million increase in funds, and make investments in new addiction services in areas of the province in need of greater services.            "Addiction treatment works," said Norma Medulun, Chair of Addictions Ontario. "These services reduce dependency, improve the health of clients, and have enormous economic benefits. By providing all service providers with a funding increase, the Government is ensuring that cost of living pressures won't diminish our capacity to provide these services."            "Today, the Government has recognized that addiction services must be improved in areas where access is poor," said David Kelly, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addictions Programs."Addiction services are a critical part of health care. The government is to be congratulated on expanding services where population growth and demand greatly exceeds service capacity, while providing increased support to all providers in the province. Addiction and mental health providers see these types of investments as ways to address the huge social and economical costs of addiction."             For More Information:   Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs            (OFCMHAP) www.ofcmhap.on.ca