The Region of Waterloo is looking at new ways to respond to mental health and addiction crises.

The Community Safety and Wellbeing plan consultations showed that alternate crisis response models are needed in our community. One way to address this need is through Paramedic Services Alternate Destination Clinics.

Right now, paramedics who respond to 911 calls about mental health and addiction can only transport patients to the hospital. We are exploring a new model where paramedics can bring eligible mental health and addictions patients to a community clinic instead of taking them to the Emergency Department. Public Health and Paramedic Services will provide support to this community-led project as we secure funding. We are using the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan framework and consultations to guide this work. Once funding has been approved, we will focus on broad community engagement to co-design the clinic.

This work will initially focus on writing funding applications, seeking approval from the Ministry of Health, and advocacy. To move this work forward, we created a steering committee with representation from the following groups:

• Mental health and addiction service providers in Waterloo Region
• Community organizations serving Waterloo Region
• People with experience accessing mental health or addiction services in Waterloo Region
• Family members or caregivers of people with experience using mental health or addiction services in Waterloo Region

To receive updates on this project select the "+ Follow" button at the top of this page. If you have questions about this project or want to get involved contact ADC@regionofwaterloo.ca.