The Integrated Care Hub opened in 2020 to implement a holistic approach to improve recovery rates for mental health and substance use disorders. In the last fiscal year, 1,352 unique individuals accessed harm reduction resources at the hub’s Needle and Syringe program. The hub also provided 7,805 harm reduction teachings on safer substance use in both verbal and written formats.
The Integrated Care Hub was created based on five core pillars
- Harm reduction
- Trauma and violence informed care
- Stabilization
- Wellness
- Cultural safety
The success of the hub is largely attributed to the joint effort of the City of Kingston, Addictions and Mental Health Services – Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, United Way, Street Health Centre/Kingston Community Health Centres, Home Base Housing, Providence Care, Trellis HIV and Community Care, and Consumption and Treatment Services teams, and the invaluable contributions of individuals with lived experiences. Ontario Health’s East Region supports this initiative through funding and stakeholder engagement. We ensure the hub’s critical function in delivering integrated care and supporting marginalized communities continues without any disruptions in service.
Collaboration among partners has dismantled traditional barriers, ensuring accountability and resource sharing to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services. These services are tailored to support the most marginalized populations through a trauma-informed, harm reduction approach.
There are five main components to the program
- Drop-in facilities
- Temporary housing options
- Consumption and treatment services
- Integrated care
- Employment through the Community Support Program
The hub offers a range of services catering to both physical and mental health needs, prioritizing personal connections and adapting to individualized goals. Additionally, essential services such as nutrition assistance, hygiene support, harm reduction supplies, case management, counseling, treatment, medical care, and connections to other community resources are provided.
From 2023 to 2024:
- Over 100 people are served daily
- 920 people diverted from emergency departments
- 544 police calls prevented
The hub is a safe and secure setting that has saved lives, and serves as an example of the importance of providing low-barrier access to care and services.