Local alcohol & drug prevention program looses funding

North Bay FOCUS
News Release

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The Ministry of Health Promotion recently introduced a new funding model under the “Healthy Communities Ontario” approach. As a result, Ministry of Health Promotion contracts which support the province’s twenty-two FOCUS Community Projects will not be renewed.

FOCUS Community Projects have operated in communities identified as being at high risk for problems associated with alcohol and other drugs. FOCUS Community Projects have worked to prevent injury and reduce harm as it relates to alcohol and other drug use, and to raise awareness of alcohol as a risk factor in chronic disease.
Over the years, FOCUS Community Projects have received sustained funding (up to 5 years at a time) which allowed for the planning and implementation of comprehensive programs. One key to the success of the FOCUS Projects has been the presence of a funded staff person to oversee and coordinate local partnerships and programs.

The FOCUS Community Projects have a proud legacy of working with local coalitions to provide health promotion and prevention programming based on local community needs. We have become experts at doing much with little! The FOCUS sites have consistently achieved a return on the government’s investment of more than 200% through the in-kind support of local businesses, organizations and individuals. In the present economy, that’s quite an accomplishment!

Local communities have been strong supporters of FOCUS’ prevention efforts. This was evident in the more than 300 letters and 3000 signatures sent to the Minister of Health Promotion in 2008 illustrating how instrumental FOCUS has been at the local level.

A recent Ministry-sponsored assessment of the FOCUS Community Projects by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health identified best practices that could be incorporated into the Healthy Communities approach and other related ministry initiatives to further develop alcohol and other drug prevention programming.

The North Bay FOCUS Community Project will be winding up as of March 31, 2010. This marks the end of 20 years providing support and resources to community-based alcohol and other drug misuse prevention programs.

FOCUS Community Projects, like North Bay, have served their communities with excellence and have made a difference in many lives. We are confident that our communities will continue to build on the strengths of FOCUS to ensure healthy communities for a healthier Ontario. It has been a privilege to partner with you!

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