The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network is recognizing the fight against addiction doesn't begin and end in the emergency room.
That is going to be one of the messages in their Addictions Strategy Plan, after lengthy research and feedback from regional stakeholders.
Senior Director Health System Design and Implementation Ralph Ganter says they'll attempt to improve access to addictions resources, so patients know where to go.
"Having people go to the emergency departments is probably not ideal for all circumstances. If we have access and get people to the right type of care based on their assessment, we're going to be further ahead in terms of dealing with their issue," says Ganter.
A series of surveys and focus groups saw hospital officials, sex trade workers and police all consulted. Ganter adds they also addressed concerns regarding anonymity.
"It is such a personal issue, and of course there's a stigma attached to it," says Ganter. "That's why its so important for us to tackle that, especially when we're dealing with youth."
Ganter says they'll work towards developing a standardized access model for addictions treatment. The Erie St. Clair LHIN projects there are nearly 13,000 patients who need addictions treatment in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
