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Two Ottawa community health centres have applied to open so-called HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment) hubs, saying there are pressing needs for such services both within the city and in suburban and rural parts of Ottawa.
Last summer, the province announced it would support homelessness and recovery treatment hubs for people experiencing health and social issues related to substance use and addictions.
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At the time, Health Minister Sylvia Jones also announced that 10 supervised consumption sites in the province would be closed in the spring because of their proximity to schools and daycares. Those organizations would be given priority to transition to a HART hub in the spring. Ottawa’s Somerset West Community Health Centre is one of those 10.
On Tuesday, Somerset West Community Health executive director Suzanne Obiorah said the centre is well positioned to lead a HART Hub which would build on supports already provided by the community health centre. She described the planned hubs as a “vital strategy to address Ottawa’s toxic drug and homelessness crises,” but said they cannot be the only supports for residents facing homelessness and substance use challenges. She said community outreach programs, safe public spaces and permanent supportive housing are also needed.
Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre in the Britannia area also made the case to have a HART hub there.
“Today we are urging the province to approve our application so a West Ottawa HART Hub can address our community’s urgent needs,” said Tamara Chipperfield, CEO, Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre. “A west Ottawa HART Hub would save the system money by reducing reliance on emergency departments and offering residents a community healthcare option.” Pinecrest has partnered with other service providers, including Ottawa Paramedics.
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