Thursday, April 10, 2014
Ministry of Finance
Investing in Community Health Infrastructure
Ontario plans to increase investments to community health infrastructure by $60 million over the next three years to ensure access to high-quality health services in communities across the province.
Within the next three years, the province will more than double its annual investment in community health infrastructure to help shift care from hospital to community settings - including Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres and community-based mental health and addictions agencies. Ontario is also creating a dedicated Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund that could also help community organizations such as Public Health Units, Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics with the cost of maintenance and deferred capital repairs.
Investing in community health care infrastructure is part of Ontario's Action Plan for Health Care to provide the right care, at the right time and in the right place. It is also part of the government's economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow by focusing on Ontario's greatest strengths - its people and strategic partnerships.
Quick Facts:
- The Centre Francophone de Toronto recently received a $1 million capital grant for renovations to new leased space to accommodate its clinical programs and services as well as group meeting space.
- Community Health Centres are non-profit organizations that provide primary health and health promotion programs for individuals, families and communities at over 100 locations in Ontario. Over the past decade, the number of Community Health Centre sites has expanded from 54 to 105 locations, providing care to 500,000 Ontarians.
- Aboriginal Health Access Centres deliver culturally appropriate health promotion and chronic disease prevention initiatives in schools and community organizations.
- Community mental health and addictions programs provide support to over 500,000 Ontarians each year.
- Since 2003, Ontario has built or started construction on 23 new hospitals.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"We need to invest in our health care infrastructure to provide Ontarians with the highest quality health care services. We are investing in new community health infrastructure so that we provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place."
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
"The province will continue to invest in state-of-the-art health care facilities and equipment in communities across Ontario to transform patient care. Investing in modern infrastructure enhances Ontarian’s quality of life and is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity."
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
"Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to the people of Ontario. This investment in infrastructure will not only improve access to health care, but it will also provide jobs and create economic benefits for the entire province."
— Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure
Media Contacts:
For Media Inquiries only
Susie Heath - Minister’s Office
416-325-3645
susie.heath@ontario.ca
For Media Inquiries only
Scott Blodgett - Ministry of Finance
416-325-0324
scott.blodgett@ontario.ca
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