Canadian Mental Health - Cochrane/Timiskaming Referrals
CMHA offers a “no wrong door” approach to addiction and mental health services. The agency assists individuals by providing information to identify the problem and assist clients in accessing the appropriate services. The referrals are for individuals who:
- require information, assessment, and possibly intensive case management in the community
- require follow-up from acute impatient service from hospital
- require assistance to ensure that they are appropriately linked to community services.
Tracking referrals ensures that clients seeking mental health services are connected with with appropriate programs, improving the overall quality of care and support provided. By monitoring the number and types of referrals, CMHA can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that services are available where they are needed most.
Quarter 4 - October - December, 2023
In Q4, CMHA-CT received a total of 196 referrals. These referrals encompass a diverse range of mental health concerns, reflecting the complexity of individuals’ experiences within Timmins.
Did you know? Referrals to Canadian Mental Health Association-CT are not only for health or social service providers who would like to refer a client or patient, they also accept self referrals and referrals from family and friends.
Lived / Living Experience Peer Focus Groups
The City of Timmins recognizes the essential and ongoing value of engaging with our community members who have lived and/or living experience within the social service sector. Individuals with first-hand experience often have ideas and solutions, but are not always positioned to influence outcomes. The monthly focus group creates a path forward to include the voices of those most impacted and opens the door for ongoing relationships and support.
Quarter 4 - October - December 2023
The October and November focus groups provided a platform for discussing coping mechanisms for managing homelessness and the role of peer mentorship in overcoming challenges.
The discussion also focused on two community agencies and their outreach strategies. The feedback and recommendations were shared with both agencies. The feedback emphasized the importance of building rapport, trust, and cultural competency in service delivery.
Addiction is not a choice. It is a treatable medical condition, yet many people affected by addiction face stigma that people with other medical conditions don’t face.
Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/stigma.html
Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT)
The Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team is a collaborative partnership with the Timmins & District Hospital and the Timmins Police Service. Members are First Responders consisting of a mental health professional and a uniformed police officer. This team responds to 9-1-1 calls for people in crisis from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Q4 - October to December 2023
In Q4, of the 175 calls received by the MCRRT, 40 led to apprehensions, indicating that 78% of individuals remained in the community. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and identifying improvements can ensure the continued success of MCRRT in supporting individuals within Timmins.
Q3 - July - September 2023
In Quarter 3, the percentage of individuals that remained in the community was 90%. MCRRT is a valuable resource for addressing mental health crises in a way that is compassionate, efficient, and tailored to the needs of the individuals. The high percentage indicates that the team is successful in de-escalating crises, providing support, and stabilizing individual mental health conditions without the need for hospitalization.
Q2 - April - June 2023
In Quarter 2, the percentage of individuals who remained in the community was 90%. This program is successful in providing individuals with comprehensive, community-based support and diverting individuals from emergency rooms / avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.
Q1 - January - March 2023
An average of 88% of individuals in Quarter 1 were safely left in the community with referrals to other community agencies or reinforcement to use their existing supports. The lower the number of individuals who are brought to acute care, the more likely a safer outcome for the individual in crisis.
Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST)
SHST provides people who use drugs with a safe, non-judgmental environment, sterile consumption equipment, and services that include social, medical, and mental health care.
Services Provided On-Site vs. Referrals
The Urgent Public Health Needs Site, Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST) has been instrumental in creating important connections with individuals and our care system. Through direct admission to withdrawal management, brief counseling, wound care and referrals to addiction, mental health, health and social services, SHST is a safe place to get help. The site is supporting the immediate reduction of harms associated with substance use and supporting long-term health and support for those who use substances.
Throughout 2023, SHST offered a comprehensive range of on-site services aimed at addressing the immediate needs of individuals accessing the facility. In addition to on-site services, SHST facilitated referrals to external agencies and programs outside of the site. These referrals serve as a crucial link to additional resources, treatment options, and support for clients. Key referral pathways include treatment programs, mental health services and social support and housing.
In 2023, 132 clients were referred externally (off-site)
In 2023, 772 clients were provided on-site care
Visit www.shst.ca for more updated monthly statistics
Annual Report - July 4, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Did you know? The application process for a Permanent Supervised Consumption Services site (SCS) is underway. This provincially-funded site would replace the existing temporary Urgent Public Health Needs Site (SHST) if approved.
For information on the SCS, including monthly data, opportunities to engage and ask questions, please visit: https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/your-community/scs/
Source: Timmins and District Hospital
Addiction & Mental Health Crisis Team Visits to the Emergency Department (annual update)
The mental health emergency department visits in 2023 witnessed fluctuations throughout the quarters, reflecting patterns in crisis response and community support. Q1 recorded 351 visits, followed by a slight decrease to 319 visits in Q2. Q3 saw a reduction to 275 visits however, in contrast, Q4 experienced an increase in visitations, rising to 320.
Several factors could contribute to the fluctuations in visits to the emergency department;
- a shift in access to mental health resources, and community support services over the course of 2023
- Seasonal variations
- Heightened stressors during certain periods
Did you know? The Timmins and District Hospital works closely with community supports for optimal treatment. Having community-based mental health and addictions workers working within the hospital has been shown to reduce inappropriate usage.
Source: Timmins & District Hospital
Paramedic calls related to suspected opioid overdoes (annual update)
The most recent data for 2023 indicates 231 suspected opioid overdoses attended by paramedics. The decline from 2021 to 2022 and 2023 can be attributed to to the implementation and effectiveness of the Supervised Consumption Site in providing harm reduction services and preventing overdoses within the community.
Suspected opioid overdose calls were already increasing in the months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to accelerate in 2021. The number of overdose-related calls in 2022 has decreased by 31% year-over-year. This could be attributed to the Consumption Treatment Services Site (SHST) that opened in July 2022.
Did you know? Supervised Consumption Services Sites can save lives and benefit the community. Supervised consumption sites prevent accidental overdoses and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
For more information on our local Supervised Consumption Services Site visit: www.shst.ca
Source: Cochrane District EMS