Bruce County has introduced a new mobile Community Outreach And Support Team (COAST), expanding services for residents who need help with mental health, addictions, and housing while bringing support directly into communities across the county.
The new initiative builds on the existing Bruce County Outreach program by creating a multidisciplinary team that will travel throughout the county, including rural areas where access to services can be more limited.
COAST is funded through Health Canada's Emergency Treatment Fund under a contribution agreement aimed at preventing opioid overdoses and improving access to harm reduction programs.
"COAST offers us the opportunity to build on the great work of Bruce County Outreach, while expanding supports to the most vulnerable members of our community. Leveraging strategic partnerships and collaborating on innovative local ideas is proving that we can reduce barriers to care and improve access to supports in our communities", says Steve Schaus, director and chief of paramedic services.
The team is being delivered in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce. It includes a harm reduction counsellor, a peer worker, a community support coordinator from Bruce County Human Services and a community paramedic from Bruce County Paramedic Services. Together, they will provide low-barrier access to mental health care, addiction services, healthcare, and social supports.
Among its responsibilities, COAST will monitor local drug poisonings, coordinate targeted interventions with community partners, organize regular pop-up outreach events, connect with people experiencing housing instability, and promote public education on harm reduction.
"Addressing complex social challenges requires innovation and strong local collaboration," commented Ian Hanney, director of human services. "Through COAST, we are expanding our ability to reach individuals who need assistance. This is another important step toward improving outcomes for some of Bruce County's most vulnerable residents through trusted local partnerships."
"CMHA Grey Bruce is proud to partner with Bruce County on the Community Outreach And Support Team," CMHA Grey Bruce Chief Executive Officer Stephen Musehl said. "This investment will help bring low-barrier mental health, addictions, peer support and social service supports directly to people where they are, especially those who face the greatest barriers to care. By working together through mobile outreach, we can build trust, reduce substance-use related harms, and support safer, healthier communities across Bruce County."
"Addressing the drug and overdose crisis is complex and requires us all to work together to save lives," added Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel. "Community-led solutions like COAST bring mental health, substance use, housing, peer support and harm reduction services directly to residents. This work will reduce barriers, strengthen local partnerships and support safer, healthier communities."
The Community Outreach and Support Team is now operating across Bruce County and will continue through March 31, 2027. Residents can find additional information, including the outreach schedule, on the United Way of Bruce Grey website.
