Our communities cannot afford more cuts to vital mental health and addictions services. Conditions at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley are at a crisis point, while the most vulnerable individuals continue to be at risk of falling through the cracks.
With nearly 100 positions already eliminated, growing waitlists, an overwhelmed intake process, and a worsening homelessness crisis, the members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133 – who are workers at CMHA Thames Valley – are advocating for the future of the agency and the crucial services they provide in their own home communities.
Our mental health system is in crisis and lives are at risk. Years of provincial underfunding, neglect, and deep cuts have created a crisis in mental health and addictions services across Ontario. The number of Ontarians experiencing homelessness, with nowhere to go, is the reality of our shattered system and the lack of funding to help those in need. Agencies are being forced to downsize through site closures and eliminating positions – workers and clients/participants at CMHA Thames Valley are facing this reality now.
The agency is in crisis with longer wait times to access services, and fewer frontline supports to provide lifesaving interventions. Short staffing, with increased workloads, will only make it harder for workers to support those in need.
It’s time to put mental health and supportive housing services first, by properly funding mental health agencies and supporting the workers who ensure people get the care and basic needs they deserve.
Take action to stop the cuts and protect lifesaving services!
Send a message to CMHA Thames Valley CEO Pam Tobin, Board Chair Bill Chandler, Premier Doug Ford, and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo:
Here’s the text of the email that will be sent on your behalf:
I am writing with deep concern about the state of mental health and addictions services in Elgin, Oxford, London-Middlesex and Huron counties. Conditions at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley are at a crisis point and our communities cannot afford more cuts, while vulnerable individuals continue to be at risk of falling through the cracks.
The Ford government must act now.
Years of provincial underfunding, neglect, and deep cuts have created a crisis in mental health and addictions services across Ontario. There is nowhere to go and individuals are living on the street. Agencies are being forced to downsize through site closures and eliminating positions – workers and participants at CMHA Thames Valley are facing this reality now.
Every person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that starts with properly resourcing mental health support workers and supportive affordable housing. Most mental health agencies are operating at a deficit, with numerous frontline care positions being eliminated across Ontario.
The pressures of chronic underfunding have compelled members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133 – who are workers at CMHA Thames Valley – to organize alongside concerned members of the community to say: stop the cuts, protect lifesaving services and provide affordable housing.
The Ford government must address the crisis in mental health, addictions and affordable housing services and increase funding for Ontario’s mental health agencies now!
Sincerely,
[your name]