Friends,
At the Board of Health meeting this week, committee members endorsed a staff report on mitigating substance use-related harms and fostering mental health and well-being for all residents of Toronto. The strategies in the report titled, "Our Health, Our City: A Mental Health, Substance Use, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Strategy for Toronto" were informed by meaningful consultations and conversations with Torontonians with lived experiences of mental health and substance use challenges, along with insights from experts, community leaders, frontline staff and City officials. It is a forward thinking plan that takes into consideration the City's increasingly diverse population and responds to concerning trends in decreased mental well-being.
The report underscores the vital role of social determinants of health, such as housing, in improving mental health and wellbeing. Relieving the City's ongoing housing crisis can mitigate devastating and preventable loss of lives, including lives lost to the opioid crisis. Inequalities in how income and wealth, and health and social services are distributed are inextricably linked to the prevalence of mental health challenges in our city.
With this report, the committee has directed the Medical Officer of Health to establish an implementation panel with experts in the field as well as those with lived experience to provide advice and oversee the realization of the outlined strategies. I want to acknowledge that this work is built on the efforts of many community members, organizations and experts that have advocated for this data-driven approach.
Moving forward, we will also need the Provincial and Federal government to do their share and continue to collaborate with the City to ensure we can provide the best resources, supports and services to make Toronto healthier.
Sincerely,
Gord
- Toronto Police Board Budget meeting: Dec 12
- TTC Survey on Street Car Diversion: Deadline Dec 3
- Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension Update
