Province funds limited return of day treatment program for addictions

Sault Area Hospital has received last-minute funding to operate about two months of programming in its Concurrent Disorders Intensive Day Treatment Program.

Also known under the name ‘A New Day,’ the addiction treatment program began as a pilot project in November of 2020 and ran until August of 2022. In that time, it treated 110 individuals and of its graduates, 40 per cent found employment or returned to work.

It is a structured, scheduled program of activities provided five days per week while the client resides at home or in another setting and is designed to avoid extended periods of time away from home or work, said Brandy Sharp Young, Sault Area Hospital’s director of communications and public affairs.

On Tuesday, Sharp Young confirmed the program received $750,000 in one-time funding, but because it is tied to the hospital’s 2023-24 fiscal year, it must be used by March 31.

“To continue the program beyond March 31, 2024, SAH will need to receive funding for the fiscal year 2024-2025,” said Sharp Young.

The hospital continues to have a request for ongoing funding of the program submitted to Ontario Health North.

The program will begin immediately and run from the Northway Wellness Centre for program clients and others, said Sharp Young. She said the funding will allow for treatment of between 60 and 100 individuals.

The program typically runs for six weeks, but Sharp Young said this round will be condensed to four weeks to accommodate more clients.

"We will provide the same content with busier days," she said.

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker has been advocating for the return of the program since beginning his campaign for the mayor’s seat at city council. 

“I’ve spoken with MPP Romano a significant number of times about the Concurrent Disorders Intensive Day Treatment Program, and I’m grateful for his efforts to ensure its return,” said Shoemaker. “This is good news and represents a step in the right direction.”

Shoemaker said he will continue to be in close contact with Romano to advocate for dedicated base funding required for the hospital to offer the program on a permanent basis.

For information on how to access the program, individuals may call SAH at (705) 759-3434, ext. 4170.