RVH celebrates opening of new live-in addictions treatment centre

The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) celebrated the official opening of its new live-in addictions treatment centre on Wednesday, which officials say will be a big step forward in providing care for the region’s most vulnerable.

“Recovery and stability are possible when care is local, integrated, and rooted in trust,” said Brandon Lewicki, RVH mental health and addictions program director, of its vision.

The hospital and the County of Simcoe were among the main partners teaming up to offer better support for those facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges through the program.

“We all have the same vision in helping people and this is going to be a great success,” said Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden.

Through the new live-in addiction treatment centre in Barrie, 12 clients at-a-time go through a 21-day program, receiving important mental health and addictions treatment that includes therapy, counselling, and recreational activities.

Each client gets their own bedroom and bathroom.

“The hope is to provide people with the skills and the tools to be able to thrive and be successful once you’re discharged back into the community,” added Lewicki.

• New Barrie homeless and addiction treatment centre to serve Simcoe County

The new program falls under the county’s Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment model (HART) and is designed to be the first stage in a client’s road to recovery.

“It’s customized services for each individual based on their needs,” said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, County of Simcoe social and community services manager. “The idea is to serve them until they’re ready to move into their next stage, which would be the longer-term supportive housing model.”

The County requested funding from the Ford government last August and the province responded in January with a $529 million funding announcement to support 27 HART hubs across Ontario.

“That is lightspeed in terms of government cooperation, coordination,” said Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP. “I’m just thrilled for the individuals that are going to come through this program.”

Hospital and county officials say the first round of patients has already been through the new live-in facility.

Their second cohort is almost full and is expected in the coming weeks.