Loss of federal funding for peer support workers would have substantial impact on many services dealing with mental health and addiction in the city, says program lead
After operating for two years on a shoestring budget — and now facing a possible loss of funding for peer support workers in the near future — the leadership behind the Community Wellness Bus is reaching out for help to keep the project sustainable.
People who use the service may take food and hygiene products, harm reduction supplies or seek basic medical care. The idea is to meet the clients where they are at, because many clients of the bus will not seek traditional medical care in a clinical setting.CMHA Algoma and Sault Area Hospital are the lead partners for the Community Wellness Bus, with Algoma Family Services, Social Services and Superior Family Health Team rounding out the list of core partners.
The project was launched in 2021 with next to no funding, just the contributions of concerned community partners. For example, a decommissioned ambulance was donated by Social Services, nursing staff provided by SAH, as well as peer support workers from CMHA. Three-year federal funding that supported the hiring of peer support workers is set to lapse in six weeks, said Katajamaki. To date, there is currently no call from the federal government for an extension of the funding.
“These are paid peer support workers who are equitably compensated for their knowledge, skill and ability. That feels different than just asking someone to donate their time,” said Case. “We are all very passionate about the work and we know we are making a difference, it has taken a few years to actually see those results. But we can do more,” said Katajamaki.
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