Sault outreach program may be expanding
An outreach program that focuses on Sault Ste. Marie's main drag could be expanding its borders.
The Downtown Ambassador Program started in June, part of a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Downtown Association, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
David Cartner is one of five CMHA workers who travels the city's downtown, distributing food, harm reduction supplies and connecting those on the street with resources to help them better their situations.
The staff receive frequent calls from the roughly 200 businesses in the area seeking help for a range of reasons.
“We are a contact for them if something is happening outside of their store," Cartner said.
"For instance if they find needles on the ground, drug paraphernalia, or perhaps maybe there might be a person that is in need. They can call us and we will come down.”
Salvatore Marchese, executive director of the Downtown Association, said the program is exactly what the area needs.
“There’s a lot of positive feedback coming in," said Marchese.
"Both from our merchants who know there is somebody they can call when someone’s in distress, and … from the people that are out there on the ground working these shifts, saying they’re connecting people that just didn’t know there were resources for them.”
Annette Katajamaki, executive director of CMHA Sault Ste. Marie, said they are hiring four workers to cover the Downtown Ambassador Program.
“One of the hardest things that folks with a mental illness and or an addiction issue have is reaching out and asking for help," said Katajamaki.
"So this stops them from having to physically go somewhere -- we’re going to physically show up where they are.”
The success of the program in its first two months is turning heads at city hall. An expansion beyond the downtown will be discussed when the next council deliberates the 2023 budget.
It's something that Cartner, and the rest of the partners, support.
"Addiction doesn't just start at Pim Street and go to Gore Street," he said.
Businesses or individuals in the downtown looking for help from the Downtown Ambassador Program can call 705-090-8483.
The program runs from 3-7 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.