We still need funding for a permanent residential treatment centre!

 Community Law School Social Justice Advocacy Group

Press Release

February 3, 2022

Establishment of a Permanent Residential Treatment Centre for Addiction Rehabilitation in Sarnia-Lambton

The Social Justice Advocacy Group congratulates Bluewater Health on the recent announcement for funding to create a more robust withdrawal management program and a mental health and addictions hub. This funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health addresses the acute phase of addiction recovery which is recognized as being in very high demand in Sarnia-Lambton.

Since the announcement, our Group has received many questions about whether the funding is for a permanent residential treatment centre for addiction rehabilitation in Sarnia-Lambton. The announcement yesterday does not address funding for such a centre. People who pass through the withdrawal management phase will still be required to leave our area if they need such services.

For over 20 years, there have been calls for numerous supports for those living with addictions including withdrawal management programs, harm reduction initiatives and a permanent addiction rehabilitation centre located in Sarnia-Lambton.

In fall 2021, the Social Justice Advocacy Group was formed and started a petition directed to M.P.P. Bob Bailey, Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tobillo. The Group includes people with lived experiences with addictions and, by starting the petition, it hoped to re-ignite the community calls for funding for a permanent rehabilitation centre.

The community response to the petition has been overwhelming since its beginning in November 2021. Hundreds of Sarnia-Lambton residents, from all walks of life, have signed and shared their personal stories for doing so. These heartfelt stories truly express the tragedies associated with addictions in our community. We thank everyone who signed our petition. We hope now you realize every voice matters.

We will continue our efforts to secure funding for a permanent residential treatment centre through dialogues with the M.P.P. Bob Bailey, M.P. Marilyn Gladu, Mayor Mike Bradley and Warden Kevin Marriott. We will also be redoubling our efforts in contacting Ministers Elliott and Tobillo to keep this funding discussion alive.

Media and other inquiries:

Margaret Capes

Community Law School (Sarnia-Lambton) Inc.

margaretncapes@gmail.com