CMHA North Bay and District relocation plan aims to make access easier for clients
The Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District (CMHA) is streamlining access to its mental health and addiction care programs through a major relocation project.
Adopting what the CMHA describes as a “campus model,” the goal is to improve the ability to access mental health and addiction treatment along the Main Street West location.
“Clients can come in off the street and have easy access to our services,” said CEO Mary Davis.
The relocation has been planned over the last four years since four social agencies -- Nipissing Mental Health Housing & Support Services, People for Equal Partnership, the North Bay Recovery Home and CMHA Nipissing -- joined together to form CMHA North Bay and District.
A 7,800-square-foot building on Main Street West will be the new hub for mental health and addiction care. The building was the site of a department store for decades and, more recently, a spa and salon.
“We do have a waitlist and that's something we are trying to work on,” Davis said.
The relocation has been planned over the last four years since four social agencies -- Nipissing Mental Health Housing & Support Services, People for Equal Partnership, the North Bay Recovery Home and CMHA Nipissing -- joined together to form CMHA North Bay and District. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
“We do believe this will be helpful.”
This relocation starts Monday. The CMHA’s newly named Peer Connections drop-in centre moves from its current spot on Ferguson Street into the hub building. Operating hours will remain Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with entry via a side entrance on Fraser Street. Formal appointments can be made through the front door at reception.
Peer Connections offers various activities, groups and programs, both in person and virtually for clients.
Jason Corbett, CMHA North Bay and District director of operations, took CTV News on a tour of the new site Thursday morning.
“This will have all kinds of tables and chairs in this large space for when they play cards or they're doing, you know, different crafts and that kind of stuff,” Corbett said, pointing into a large empty room.
Second phase
The second phase will take place in mid-April. It will see CMHA’s main reception and all client meeting spaces for case management, trusteeship, and justice services moved down the street from its second-floor location at 176 Main St. West to the hub.
The new space includes group rooms, laundry and shower facilities, two kitchens, office space, a community room and individual meeting spaces for clients and staff.
“So if we’re doing financial planning with them, then we can show them the same screen,” Corbett said, showing off one of the one-on-one rooms.
CMHA North Bay and District is currently seeing between 150-200 client referrals a month from the community. That is why Davis the centralization is needed.
“For someone to be able to access services and navigate the system, it's much easier to have one door, one point of access for an individual,” she said.
The goal, CMHA said, is to make mental health and addiction services more accessible for those who require that support.
Davis said once the facility is fully up and running, CMHA will invite the community to an open house during Mental Health Week in May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from near Quebec City.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Quebec police investigating after entire herd of 75 cattle allegedly stolen
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.