For Immediate Release
March 3, 2022 – The Burlington Ontario Health Team (OHT) today announced the expansion of a free program to help community members with an identified mental health or addiction concern access virtual educational resources and supports.
Halton region residents who sign up for the Mental Health and Addictions Virtual Care Library receive a short-term computer tablet loan to support treatment of a mental health concern or addiction. Program participants may use the tablet to attend virtual appointments with a care provider, support group meetings, or access many educational materials on mental health, addiction and wellness.
Sign up is though the referral of a family doctor or other care provider such as a mental health or addiction support worker. Self-referral is also an option by contacting the Virtual Care Library intake line at 289-208-9619. No technology skills are necessary, client privacy is ensured and full training on the use of the Wi-Fi supplied tablet is offered
“This program was created to help those with a technology barrier to access a vast library of online education and supplemental supports. It is not meant to replace the direct care of a medical professional for a mental health illness or addiction, but clients can use the tablet to attend any virtual mental health-related appointments and support groups,” says Burlington OHT Systems Navigator Amna Baig.
The virtual care library first launched in fall 2021 with ten computer tablets available for loan and has expanded to 20 additional tablets, thanks to Ontario Health West regional funding to support integrated virtual care. The program’s creation involved the collaboration of patients, community members and many care providers serving the Burlington community.
For more information, visit www.burlingtonoht.ca/virtualcarelibrary.
Along with the virtual care library, the Burlington OHT is working to improve access to care with the release of additional digital health resources to navigate local healthcare services and programs at their convenience:
- Burlington OHT website: https://www.burlingtonoht.ca
- Burlington Health Navigator App – to download on your mobile device, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play; search for Burlington Health Navigator and look for our bold, blue “B” icon