Hamilton Mental Health Outreach to close in June

A central Hamilton organization that has provided support to people struggling with mental health for more than 30 years is closing its doors this summer.

In a Jan. 20 statement, Hamilton Mental Health Outreach said it will cease clinical operations" on June 30.

Though this is a difficult decision, we are confident this transition is in the best interests of our clients and the community," wrote executive director Daryn Kilfoyle.

The John Street South organization, a non-profit funded by the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN), was launched in 1988 to provide community to support to patients discharged from psychiatric hospital units.

Kilfoyle said Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia and Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton Branch will continue to care for clients, and medical records will automatically be transferred, unless otherwise directed.

There will be no interruption in your care," he wrote.

Wait-listed patients will not lose their place and will be transferred to a partner organization waiting list

The staff at HMHO will miss all our patients and it has truly been a privilege to support you," Kilfoyle wrote. I wish you all the best and a healthy life."

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com