(Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Mar 24, 2022) – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kenora Branch and the Township of Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls announced today that the first pilot for a mobile mental health and addictions clinic (MMHAC) in northwest Ontario will be located in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

As one of four new clinics across the province, CMHA Kenora was selected by the Ontario government to service communities in northwest Ontario accessible within a 150 kms radius of Kenora. Through this new initiative, MMHAC will be providing high-quality mental health and addictions care to individuals living in remote, rural and underserved communities.

This clinic on wheels will be providing services in a culturally competent and safe manner. Its multidisciplinary team is made up of mental health and addictions services providers, appropriately trained nurses, psychiatrist, case manager and service navigator. “MMHAC will improve health outcomes by removing barriers to access, including geography, transportation, and stigma,” says Sara Dias, CEO of CMHA Kenora. “While it is not a mobile crisis clinic, by providing intervention early it aims to reduce the need for higher intensity support or crisis intervention.”

The clinic will offer intake and brief services, referrals to existing services, and psychiatric support and follow-up. “The launch of MMHAC in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is a positive step for improved access to mental health and addictions services in the community,” says Wanda Kabel, Chief Administrative Officer Township of Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls. “Being mobile, the clinic will help reduce the need for people having to travel to find services by meeting more clients in more places.” An official launch of the custom-built retrofitted bus is planned for the spring/summer 2022.

Fast Facts:

1. Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic works with partners including child and youth services, a mental health facility, Ontario Health Teams and other community partners as needed. As the clinic operates within a custom-built retrofitted bus, it reduces the need for people to travel to find services and can meet more clients in more places.
2. The pilot is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness plan, released in 2020 to address gaps in mental health and addictions care and reduce waiting lists and long wait times.