Due to a variety of factors including the pandemic, numbers have skyrocketed for a local mental health support.
According to CMHA Waterloo-Wellington’s annual report, there has been a sharp increase in the need for care in recent years.
Helen Fishburn, CEO of the organization, says this is a new baseline, and she doesn’t expect the numbers to dip back down to pre-pandemic volume.
Fishburn says this spike wasn’t specific to one sector.
While the pandemic took a toll on everyone, Fishburn says she believes no individual had the same experience.
Fishburn says she’s looking forward to a 5% base budget increase pending ministry confirmation, that will allow CMHA Waterloo-Wellington to increase wages and keep up with operating costs
Aiming to aid during challenging times, Fishburn and her group are excited for the opening of the Children and Youth Services Building in Guelph in early October.
Just installing a few new welcome doors at our new Children and Youth Services building on Woolwich Street in Guelph. This is getting really exciting now! @thegrovehubs @CMHAWW pic.twitter.com/O6zp9T9s7Q
— Helen Fishburn | CEO of CMHA WW (@hsfishburn) June 27, 2023
This building, equipped with over 100 child psychiatry workers, nurses, social workers and other support staff plans to help over 9,000 youths a year.
