Canada - Supporting Recovery: The Next Chapter in Substance Use Care

Canada - Supporting Recovery: The Next Chapter in Substance Use Care At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), they are proud to collaborate with The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) on “The Next Chapter”, a groundbreaking initiative that bridges the gap between hospital discharge and community reintegration for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. This innovative program provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, offering mental health services, medication management, psycho-education, peer support, and connections to long-term care. A key feature? Pairing clients with Peer Support Workers who have firsthand experience with substance use challenges. Danielle Sansano, a Peer Support Worker at TNG, shares, “Being a peer is like having one foot in an old life and the other planted firmly in hope. It’s not just a job; it’s my calling. I use my experiences to walk beside others as they discover their strength.” Since its launch, “The Next Chapter” has supported 39 clients, with over 90% completing the program's four-week duration, a testament to its effectiveness in addressing this critical transition period. By providing immediate, accessible, and empathetic care, they’re helping individuals overcome barriers like housing instability, financial insecurity, and mental health challenges. This impactful work is made possible by nearly $2 million in funding from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP). Together, CAMH and TNG are building a scalable model that can transform how healthcare systems support individuals with substance use disorders across Canada. As they look to the future, they aim to expand “The Next Chapter” to reach even more individuals and explore its application in other settings like emergency departments.