North West LHIN Media Release
The North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) in partnership with the Kenora Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) Advisory Committee, have determined the need for a MAP in the City of Kenora.
To gather input from the community, the Kenora MAP Advisory Committee consulted health care providers, along with community planning and social services support organizations.
The MAP model selected in the City of Kenora was based on an environmental scan and literature review of existing models operating in Canada and internationally. The model focuses on evidence based practices from a number of jurisdictions, as well as a consideration of both the capacity and needs of the proposed client population.
The North West LHIN is funding Kenora’s MAP, which will operate through the Morningstar Centre at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).
MAP is a harm reduction approach involving the regular administration of alcohol in order to stabilize and moderate alcohol intake. Kenora’s MAP will provide 10 individuals with a safe and secure living situation to physically stabilize, relearn basic skills and reconnect with the community and their families. The program aims to reduce contact with police, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, overall health care costs, and improve participant’s quality of life.
A Harm Reduction Program such as the MAP is needed in Kenora due to:
- A large population with severe alcoholism and associated chronic issues;
- The needs of the population not being met through current services;
- Extreme housing issues in the community; and
- Traditional forms of treatment, such as withdrawal management or abstinence-based treatment, are not viable options.
The homeless and marginally housed population in Kenora, who live with chronic alcohol addictions will benefit from the MAP, as will those who have attempted other treatment programs without success.
The location of the program is vital to its success. The MAP builds upon the harm reduction programs and supports currently offered at the Morningstar Centre, including clinical staffing and supervision, a key element to MAP success.
Quick Facts:
- The Integrated Health Service Plan IV 2016-2019 clearly states that integrating the system of care for mental health and addictions is a key priority for the North West LHIN.
- MAP is a type of harm reduction approach involving the regular administration of alcohol in order to stabilize and moderate alcohol intake.
- Current community programs are not meeting the needs of the residents.
- MAP is an evidence-based program.
- MAP typically includes the provision of safe housing and healthcare targeting the most severe chronic alcoholics who have unsuccessfully completed abstinence and other withdrawal management or addiction programs.
- Program results include reductions in:
- Alcohol use
- Days intoxicated
- Contact with police
- Incarceration
- Health care costs
- Emergency department visits
- Hospital admissions
- Missing health care appointments
- Kenora has a higher population living with severe alcoholism and chronic issues.
- Kenora’s MAP will provide 10 individuals with a safe and secure living situation to physically stabilize, relearn basic skills and reconnect with the community and their families.
- The program aims to reduce contact with police, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, overall health care costs, and improve participant’s quality of life.
The MAP reduces binge drinking and the consumption of non-beverage alcohol found in personal hygiene products.
