The new Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs Mobile Outreach Program is officially on the road, bringing critical mental health and addictions supports directly to people across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
Staffed by trained paramedics and mental health and addiction professionals, the program’s mobile outreach vehicles deliver help to neighbours experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, and addictions.
“The vast majority of those experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions challenges in our communities were born and raised here. Whether they’re in an urban or rural area across our counties, they deserve care and support,” said Carl Bowker, Chief at Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services. “They’re our neighbours, our friends, and our family. Without help, they’ll continue to slip through the cracks.”
The outreach teams build off a proven model first launched in Belleville, which reduced pressure on emergency rooms, ambulances, and law enforcement. Now, that model is expanding across Hastings and Prince Edward counties and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
“Doing nothing means more addiction, encampments, and preventable deaths from the toxic drug crisis,” said Brandi Hodge, Executive Director of United Way Hastings & Prince Edward. “Outreach, especially culturally appropriate care, is a safer, smarter, more compassionate solution, and it’s now available for people.”
Anyone can call to request help from the outreach teams for themselves, a neighbour, or a loved one. If you or your loved one is experiencing a crisis, they can call 613-771-9366 ext. 500.
(PAUL MARTIN)
