by: dave battagello
as part of a sweeping ontario government overall $31-million investment to support you mental health, it was announced tuesday windsor-essex will receive $2.7 million in operating funds to support its new local youth wellness hub.
the hubs are in place to fill gaps in local youth mental health services.
there are now 10 across the province designed as “one-stop-shops” for youth ages 12-25 to address needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, training, housing and other social services.
“we are most grateful to the provincial government for this investment in youth,” said claudia den boer, ceo for canadian mental health association in windsor. “these funds will provide essential operating funds for our youth wellness hub.”
a study led by sickkids hospital in toronto showed how during the covid-19 pandemic about 70 per cent of youth ages six to 18 have experienced one or more symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, lower attention span or compulsions.
even for children between the ages of two and five, about 66 per cent reported having at least one of these symptoms.
cmha, hotel-dieu grace healthcare, maryvale, the bridge and windsor essex community health care (wechc) are each partners working to ensure the youth wellness hub meets the needs of youth in the community.