Fourcast Announces Expansion, Gets Funding For Addictions Services

Addiction treatment centre Fourcast will expand with $500,000 in annualized funding for mobile withdrawal management services from the Ontario Government announced at Victoria Park on Friday.

(left to right) Deputy Mayor Bonnie Clark, Coun. Keith Riel and Donna Rogers, Fourcast Executive Director were in attendance at Victoria Park joining MPP Dave Smith for the announcement. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is part of the Ontario government’s investment of $32.7 million in new annualized funding for targeted addictions services and supports including treatment for opioid addictions.

Ontario is committing $3.8 billion over the next decade to implement Roadmap to Wellness, Ontario’s comprehensive plan to build a modern and connected mental health and addictions system centred around the needs of individuals and their families according to the press release.

“The fight against the opioid crisis requires a robust local response including a comprehensive array of services to help people beat addiction and live healthy, productive lives,” MPP Dave Smith said. “The key to this effort is strong support at every level of their recovery. $500,000 in annual funding will expand detox services, outreach, and primary medical care for more people struggling with addiction.”

Community Withdrawal Management allows individuals to withdraw from substances in their homes or in another location under medical supervision.

This new funding will hire a nurse practitioner a program manager and two addictions workers into the program. It will be integrated with Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic and other existing services such as housing, social services, residential and addiction treatment and high-quality primary medical care.

"Fourcast appreciates this investment in community withdrawal management services especially the opportunity that it provides to expand our existing program, “ said Donna Rogers, Fourcast executive director. “This new funding will add outreach and nursing capacity to our existing team. Quick and comprehensive response for people who make decisions to change their substance use is important and this investment allows us to improve access and incorporate much-needed nursing support into our response."

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