CMHA OPENS GRAVENHURST OFFICE TO EXPAND ‘CRUCIAL MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTION SERVICES’

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Hard to access mental health services just got a little closer — if not easier — to residents in south Muskoka.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) opened a new suite of offices here yesterday to serve Muskoka-Parry Sound.

They say in a release today it “marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing increased access to mental health and addiction services to the community.”

A ribbon-cutting took place from 1-3 p.m. Thursday at 1100A Muskoka Rd., across from the Howard Johnson Hotel at the Gateway to Muskoka arches.

They say the new office — in addition to ones in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Sundridge and Parry Sound — are meant to provide crucial mental health services, including counselling, crisis intervention, addiction support, and outreach programs, bringing support closer to home for the Gravenhurst community.

The CMHA ribbon-cutting Thursday had several supporters on hand at the Royal LePage real estate office building in Gravenhurst. From left: Kim Laurie, director of clinical services and operations; Desarae Doolittle, director of Indigenous services; MPP Graydon Smith; Diane Brown-Demarco, executive director; Camille Quenneville, CEO CMHA Ontario; Heidi Lorenz, Mayor of Gravenhurst; Jeff Lehman, District of Muskoka chair; Joan Edwards-Karmazyn, board chair CMHAMPS and Katherine Johnson, local director of corporate services. Photo CMHA

“We’re excited to open our new Gravenhurst office and extend our reach within the community,” local CMHA executive director Diane Brown-Demarco said in the release.

“This new location will enable us to provide essential mental health and addiction services to more people, closer to where they live.

“The new office reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding access to mental health and addiction services across the region. By being more present in this community, we can deliver timely, client-centred care to those who need it most,” added Joan Edwards Karmazyn, the local board chair.

“We are proud to be a part of this important step forward in delivering essential services to our neighbours in Gravenhurst.

“On behalf of the government, I am thrilled to see CMHA Muskoka-Parry Sound expanding its services with the opening of this new office in Gravenhurst,” said MPP Graydon Smith.

“This vital addition to the community will provide much needed access to mental health and addiction services, supporting the well-being of residents across the region.”

Mayor Heidi Lorenz welcomed the new site.

“Access to local mental health and addiction services is crucial for the well-being of our residents,” said Heidi Lorenz, Mayor of Gravenhurst. “This office will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many. We are proud to welcome CMHA to our community.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound says it is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health and addiction services that promote the well-being of individuals and the community. Our programs and services are designed to meet the diverse needs of those we serve, fostering resilience and recovery.

Learn more at mps.cmha.ca

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