Covid Outbreak Declared at CMHA Niagara’s St. Catharines Site

(St. Catharines, January 12, 2022) –

CMHA Niagara has declared an outbreak in their Safe Beds program, according to Ministry of Health Congregate Living Guidelines, and out of an abundance of caution and pending formal declaration of outbreak by Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH).

Effective immediately, Safe Beds, 264 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines, will not be accepting new intakes or clients until the resolution of this outbreak.

All impacted staff and clients have been notified according to contact tracing protocols.

CMHA Niagara continues to implement robust safety protocols including employee screening, mandatory masks, physical distancing, enhanced disinfecting procedures and frequent hand sanitizing to protect the health and well-being of our staff, clients, and the community.

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About Safe Bed Program

CMHA Niagara offers a 24 hour, 7 day per week referral based short-term crisis support to clients 16 years or older as an alternative to hospitalization. This is a voluntary, non-medical residential program offering a therapeutic environment for individuals to stay for three to five days while they work through their crisis.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Niagara Branch

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Niagara Branch is one of a network of over 135 branches that offer mental health services in communities across Canada. It was formed in 2001, as an amalgamation of CMHA St. Catharines and District Branch and CMHA Niagara South Branch. CMHA Niagara is recognized as a solid service provider and an effective contributor to the community mental health system. It has skilled staff and a good partnership of board, consumers, family members and professional service providers that ensures programs are current and as efficient and effective as possible.

For further information please contact our main reception at 905-641-5222 and your call will be appropriately directed. For direct connections to services such as crisis intervention, housing, groups, withdrawal management, addictions support, employment and caregiver support, call the ACCESS LINE for 24 hour 7-day-per-week support: 1-866-550-5205, Ext. 2.