Ontario has stepped up to help young people get access to higher-quality mental health and addiction support at Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation.
The province has provided funding for the creation of a new Youth Wellness Hub for Sagamok. It is one of the eight new hubs the government is adding to the 14 already created since 2020, bringing the total to 22 across the province, said a news release from the province.
Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said he was pleased his government was providing culturally appropriate care for young Indigenous citizens. He spoke at a news conference at Sagamok Tuesday morning.
“Expanding our network of Youth Wellness Hubs is another step our government is taking to ensure Ontarians of all ages have convenient access to the highest-quality mental health and addictions supports, when and where they need them,” said Tibollo.
“We are thrilled to be launching the first Youth Wellness Hub designed by and for an Indigenous community. Culturally appropriate care is a core tenet of the Roadmap to Wellness, and we will continue making investments to improve access to these services for Indigenous communities across Ontario.”
The Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation is located along the north shore of Lake Huron in an area near Massey, westward to Spanish.
The ministry said the creation of the new youth hub will mean that young people aged 12 to 25 in Sagamok and surrounding areas can visit the hub to connect to convenient and free mental health, substance use, primary care and traditional healing and wellness services in a safe, youth-friendly, welcoming space. Young people can drop in for counseling or peer support, book an appointment or access services virtually, said the release.
The ministry said the new Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation Youth Wellness Hub is being co-designed alongside local Sagamok Anishnawbek youth, families, leaders and partners and will replace the current temporary building. The hub is an example of successful community collaboration to adapt the Youth Wellness Hub to address the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, said the province.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones commented that this is part of the provincial commitment to supporting mental health concerns.
“Our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health services for communities across Ontario, and support patients and families living with mental health and addictions challenges,” said Jones.
“As we continue to expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation will receive faster and easier access to the mental health care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”
