Kingsville's mayor says town needs more addiction services to keep up with demand

Addiction is a health crisis that has left few communities untouched — and Kingsville is no exception.

A public town hall is being held to discuss how residents are being impacted and what resources are available to help. 

Not in My Town runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Grovedale on Park Street.

Mayor Dennis Rogers says he doesn't think there are enough resources currently in place to service the town's needs for addictions and mental health.

"I think within Kingsville alone, no," he said.

"Having a seat at the county council tables … we're continuing to advocate for increased social services within the county."

LISTEN | Kingsville addiction town hall discussed on Windsor Morning:

Fortunately, according to Rogers, the town's neighbouring municipality, Leamington, has a number of services and options for their community members to access.

"Our goal is to continue to advocate and continue to push just for resources out in the county."

Rogers says like many communities in southwestern Ontario, and across Canada, just because you don't see drug use and mental health issues front and centre doesn't mean they don't exist. 

"It's behind closed doors … you hear through your neighbour or you hear it through a person at the grocery store. It's things that you hear that break your heart and people that you grew up with. Just cause you don't see it doesn't mean it's not a reality."

According to Rogers, the town thought it was important to help eliminate what he refers to as an "education gap" by showing people what resources are available — and that they're not alone.

The Canadian Mental Health Association will be represented at tonight's town hall in Kingsville.

Calling it a "public health crisis," Kim Willis, with the Windsor-Essex chapter of the association, says addiction is a growing issue across several local municipalities.

"No one should be naive to think it's not happening in their own community," said Willis. 

She says 2021 saw 84 deadly overdoses in Windsor-Essex and 105 last year, with trends suggesting this year will see another increase. 

"It is impacting all of us … events like tonight we're hoping can help break some of that stigma and let people know that if they want help or they're noticing some struggles as it relates to substance misuse, there are programs and services to support them."

Willis says the town hall is targeted toward young people and families.

"We know that they're using some substances irresponsibly perhaps. And so many things are laced with fentanyl. A lot of people are struggling just like you. And the first step is acknowledging and talking to someone about it and then accessing support that you need to do that."

According to Willis, she agrees with Kingsville's mayor that more services in the county are needed to keep pace with the growing need for mental health and addictions in the area.

"We're doing what we can to stretch our resources as much as possible."