Haliburton Highlands Health Services is unsure how funding announcements by the province will affect its operations. In its budget, the Wynne Government announced that it will be investing $822 million in Ontario’s hospitals. In her report to the H.H.H.S. Board of Directors, President and C.E.O. Carolyn Plummer says the goal of the new money is to provide better access to healthcare, reduce hospital wait times and addressing the needs of the county’s growing seniors population.
Plummer also said the province’s investment of $2.1 billion dollars over four years towards mental health. While Plummer says the money covers several areas of mental health. Plummer adds health services and the Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents are applying for a grant towards a youth hub in the county. While she hasn’t heard back from the province on the funding request, Plummer believes the government’s commitment towards mental health is a positive step towards a hub.
Point in Time Executive Director Marg Cox said last month that after approximately four months of public sessions and consultations, the message from the community is that a youth hub is needed.