LETTER: So much achieved on mental health issues

PelhamToday received the following letter reviewing Niagara Region's state of emergency on mental health, homelessness and addiction.

January 2023: With the support of 11/12 of Niagara's local-area municipalities; the long push (since 2019) for the Niagara Region to declare state of emergency on mental health, homelessness and addiction are renewed.

February 2023: Niagara Region declares a state of emergency on mental health, homelessness and addiction.

March 2023: Pelham's first town hall on mental health, homelessness and addiction.

April 2023: MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff announces $20.8-million boost in homelessness prevention for Niagara from the province.

May 2023: Town of Grimsby declares a state of emergency on mental health, addiction and housing affordability.

City of Welland declares a state of emergency on mental health, homelessness and addiction.

Community advocates push for the creation of an Indigenous mobile crisis unit pilot project for the Niagara Region.

Premier Doug Ford promises new drug-treatment centers while appearing for a Go Train announcement in St. Catharines.

June 2023: The state of emergency effort and Indigenous housing problems receive national attention with Northwest Territories housing advocacy groups requesting the territory to declare a housing emergency.

July 2023: Some Niagara Regional councillors unsuccessfully attempt to end Niagara's state of emergency on mental health, homelessness and addiction.

August 2023: Pelham's MYAC presents their findings from their youth forum survey where Pelham youth identify mental health, homelessness, addiction and drug use among the causes important to them.

September 2023: Welland unanimously passes a motion requesting that Niagara Region commit to deliver more preventative drug education to the public.

October 2023: Community advocates meet with the Ontario Indigenous Affairs Ministry to gain their support for the Indigenous mobile mental health crisis unit pilot project for Niagara Region.

November 2023: Ontario NDP MPP for Parkdale-High Park, Bhutila Karpoche calls on Ford to declare an Ontario-wide homelessness emergency while specifically mentioning Niagara's emergency.

December 2023: A delegation is registered at the City of Thorold Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the New Year to request the city endorse the Indigenous mobile mental health crisis unit pilot project for Niagara Region.

Steven Soos
Welland