*Information below is from the official Government of Ontario press release.*

On April 1, 2022, the Ontario government announced new funding to support students with expanded access to targeted mental health and well-being programs. Ontario’s investments will help create new or sustain existing mental health and well-being programs and resources led by community organizations.

The investments, which are part of the government’s Priorities and Partnerships Funding COVID-19 Equity Supports, include $92,105 to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to gain a better understanding of substance use trends — including the effect of substance use on school participation — on school-aged youth from an equity perspective.

Funding will also go toward resources for those working with youth who are disconnected from school due to substance use difficulties in order to support their re-engagement with the school system.

“This is a critically important initiative because we know that youth with substance use difficulties face disproportionate challenges in school contexts, and there is more we can do to provide effective supports. By hearing directly from impacted youth, we will be better able to build meaningful solutions that reflect the diversity of Ontario’s youth.”
– Dr. Joanna Henderson, Director, Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health; Senior Scientist, Child, Youth and Emerging Adult Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Executive Director, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario

To access the official news release, click here.