As the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley held their annual "year in review" community meeting today, the members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133, who work at the agency, rallied outside with community members to advocate for the funding needed to stop eliminating positions, protect lifesaving services and provide affordable housing.
This past year, CMHA Thames Valley has eliminated more than 80 positions while the organization struggles with growing waitlists and an overwhelmed intake process. Some programs have also been eliminated. These service changes have significantly impacted access to lifesaving mental health and addictions care. Frontline workers are warning that these cuts are leaving the community vulnerable and putting overworked staff at greater risk.
"We save lives every day, but we're very concerned about those in need of support and the worsening homelessness crisis," said Tischa Forester, Local President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133. "In a time when we need more resources, investment and expansion in services to meet the needs of our communities, we have faced reductions to frontline positions – this cannot continue. Lives are at risk."
Workers are also raising the alarm about chronic underfunding from the province and calling on Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo, to step in to address the ongoing mental health and addictions crisis in Elgin, Oxford, London-Middlesex and Huron counties – and across Ontario.
"Mental health, addictions and social services have been chronically underfunded for years," said Forster. "There are so many people needing supports and assistance who aren't getting the help they need. At a time when we need 100 more employees to expand 24/7 crisis support, counselling, housing support, peer supports and lifesaving care across our four counties, we have faced reductions and losses of almost 100 positions while trying to support the increasing needs in our communities. Ontario can, and must, do better for our most vulnerable."
The Impact of Funding Shortfalls
The cuts to CMHA Thames Valley are a symptom of a larger problem: chronic underfunding of mental health services across Ontario. The agency's struggles to provide services despite a 5% increase in base funding demonstrate the scale of the crisis. CMHA Thames Valley was short $2.6 million last year, even after receiving its largest funding increase in a decade.
This funding shortfall has a devastating impact on individuals seeking mental health and addiction care. The wait times for services are increasing, and the acuity of the cases being seen is also on the rise. This puts immense pressure on the remaining staff, who are struggling to cope with the growing demand.
What Needs to Be Done
The members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133 are calling on the provincial government to address the funding crisis in mental health and addictions services. They are demanding that the government increase funding to at least maintain current service levels, and ideally expand them to meet the growing needs of the community.
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133 is also calling on the government to address the affordability crisis in housing. Many people struggling with mental health and addictions also face housing insecurity. Investing in affordable housing is a crucial step in addressing the root causes of mental health issues.
A Call to Action
The protest at CMHA Thames Valley is a wake-up call for the provincial government. The mental health and addictions crisis in Ontario is a real and growing problem that cannot be ignored. It's time for the government to invest in our mental health system and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
A Dire Need for Support
The protest highlights the dire need for support in the mental health and addictions sector. CMHA Thames Valley is a vital resource for the community, providing a wide range of services to individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues. The cuts to the agency have a direct impact on the lives of people in the community, many of whom are already vulnerable.
Looking Forward
The members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 133 will continue to advocate for the funding needed to protect lifesaving services and provide affordable housing. They are calling on the government to prioritize mental health and addictions care, and to invest in the future of the community.
Their efforts are a reminder that the fight for mental health is not over.
The government must act now to address this crisis and ensure that everyone in Ontario has access to the mental health and addictions care they need.
