Articles

04/24/2020

Safehaven welcomes Government of Ontario announcement on COVID-19 funding

Safehaven, a community based organization providing important and compassionate care for individuals with medically complex care needs, welcomes the announcement by Premier Doug Ford, Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Christine Elliott Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long Term Care for their COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People. Susan Bisaillon, Chief Executive Officer of Safehaven said, “We appreciate that the government is responding to the needs of community members living in high risk residential settings,  such as Safehaven. The three point plan announced today will help protect our children and the frontline workers who care for them.”

The government’s plan increases testing, provides infection control support, increases access to PPEs and allows agencies to address critical frontline staffing issues.

According to Bisaillon, “The COVID-19 outbreak created unprecedented challenges with respect to our frontline personnel. We appreciate that the government acknowledged our concerns and we look forward to continuing this important dialogue with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Health. For over thirty years, Safehaven has provided exceptional care to children with developmental disabilities and complex care needs. The COVID-19 pandemic places a greater strain on services and that in turn is putting our residents at risk. This announcement addresses some of our top concerns.”

“Our clients require the same level of protection as other congregated residences to keep them safe from COVID-19,” noted Bisaillon. “The government’s action today will prevent and contain the further spread of the virus, support organizations in outbreak with resources to recover, and save lives.”