The recently approved City of Toronto budget, which nearly doubled funding to the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), is a welcome step to better support people experiencing crisis. TCCS is a non-police-led mental health crisis response that some consider the city’s fourth emergency service. Vulnerable people experiencing a mental health crisis too often face coercive […]
Winter plan for people sheltering outdoors falls short
Cold weather can have a devastating impact on people who are homeless, leading to hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Adequate shelter spaces and a safe and dignified outdoor outreach strategy are critical to supporting people living outdoors. The City of Toronto’s 2023 Winter Services Plan outlined steps to support those who are sheltering outdoors this […]
Continue ReadingWinter plan for people sheltering outdoors falls short
Commentary on the impact of cutting temporary COVID-19 policies
Ontario’s decisions earlier this year to end temporary funding for Physician and Hospital Services for Uninsured Persons (PHSUP) and eliminate a COVID-19 paid sick leave program will worsen inequities in access to healthcare services and cause disproportionate harm to racialized and low-income communities. This is particularly concerning as COVID-19 infection rates grow this fall. The […]
Continue ReadingCommentary on the impact of cutting temporary COVID-19 policies
A safe TTC requires an equitable, trauma-informed approach
Transit ridership is increasing this fall as students return to school and more people return to the office. With it, there may be increased concerns about violence on the TTC. Concerns about transit safety have been linked to houseless people and people with mental illness. However, the evidence shows they are more likely to be […]
Continue ReadingA safe TTC requires an equitable, trauma-informed approach
COVID-19 and racialized communities: Impacts on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant inequities in terms of health and social outcomes, and magnified stressors such as increased risk of exposure to and illness from COVID-19, job loss, and housing and food insecurity. These stressors have been particularly felt by already marginalized groups, including those from racialized communities, and there is evidence […]
Continue ReadingCOVID-19 and racialized communities: Impacts on mental health Download PublicationThe Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Well-being A Focus on Racialized Communities in the GTA