Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital is launching a new online tool to help people with addictions in the community.
The hospital partnered with the Ontario Telemedicine Network to launch Breaking Free a virtual care solution to be used in conjunction with clinical intervention.
"To provide tools, programs and resources for individuals who are suffering from addiction and need some online support," said Laurie Poole with Ontario Telemedicine Network.
A major benefit of the online tool is that patients can begin to utilize the resources prior to receiving professional help.
"Unfortunately we're still in a time where there's a lot of waitlists. This way if we can get individuals access to this tool then we can start their intervention, their treatment, sooner rather than later," said Sonja Grbevski, vice-president of mental health and additions with Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
The program will be rolled out in two phases. During the first phase, clinicians will be able to give access to the program to their clients. In the second phase, anyone with a Windsor-Essex postal code will be able to access the online resources. The goal is to have the first phase of the project launched in April 2020.
The program is possible due to a $350,000 donation from the Solcz Family Foundation.
