The Withdrawal Management Unit at the Chatham hospital is celebrating its one year anniversary.
The unit opened on August 13, 2022 and has since provided barrier-free access to much-needed treatment to countless local residents affected by the ongoing mental health and addiction crisis in our community.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) officials reported from April 1 to June 30 of 2023, the unit had an average occupancy rate of over 80.9 per cent, its highest average occupancy period over the past year, adding the overall occupancy rate last month was 86 per pent, the highest monthly occupancy rate since the service opened.
Officials said the high occupancy illustrates the profound demand for enhanced mental health and addiction services in Chatham-Kent.
The top three substances that individuals are admitted to the Withdrawal Management Service for are opiates, alcohol and methamphetamines.
CKHA's Director of Communications Fannie Vavoulis told CK News Today the first year has seen many successes and strong partnerships have allowed for follow-up services to those completing the program with a high degree of continuity, but there's one thing missing.
"One significant challenge is the lack of a supportive, sober-living program in Chatham-Kent for individuals who have completed Withdrawal Management and are continuing on their journey to recovery," said Vavoulis. "It can be difficult for an individual who is trying to overcome their addiction to be discharged into the same environment where they previously used substances, where they may encounter others who may be using substances or individuals who they have used substances with in the past."
The goal for the unit remains to reach 100 per cent occupancy regularly, according to CKHA.
The 10 bed facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.