Ontario to spend $12.4M on mental health support for frontline health-care workers

Ontario is investing $12.4 million into mental health and addictions support for frontline health-care workers.

Health Minister Christine Elliott, along with Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips, made the announcement Tuesday in Brampton, saying the investment would be over a period of two years.

The funding will help expand and create new treatment options for those battling the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While our cautious approach is working, for our frontline health-care workers, this tireless work continues each and every day … this funding will ensure continued access to existing and expanded mental health support for all Ontario’s health care workers,” Elliott said, noting that all health care workers will be eligible for these services.

Nearly $6 million will go into mental health and addictions services, while nearly $2 million will give workers a broader access to clinical psychologists. The rest — $4.6 million — will provide workplace training to staff that would help keep their mental health up.

The province will be pairing up with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division and Ontario Psychological Association to provide these new services.

Previously, Ontario announced they will strengthen the frontline health and long-term care workforce by adding 5,000 additional nurses and 8,000 personal support workers. An additional 225 nurse practitioners will be hired in the long-term care sector.