Originally Posted May 5, 2025
Niagara Prosperity Initiative and REACH Niagara
REACH Niagara is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the Niagara
Prosperity Initiative (NPI) grant under the Mental Health and Addiction category. This vital
funding will support the launch of a new initiative: PATH (Program for Addiction Treatment and
Healthcare) focused on supporting recipients of social assistance who are struggling with
substance use in the Niagara Region. A central focus of PATH is improving financial stability,
recognizing the deep connection between health and economic well-being.
Substance use continues to have a profound impact on individuals, families, and healthcare
systems across Canada. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and Canadian
Institute for Substance Use Research (2020) noted that substance use was responsible for an
estimated $13.4 billion in healthcare costs, with early indications showing a significant increase
in recent years. The PATH Program is designed as a proactive, community-based solution to
this growing crisis. It will provide preventative treatment and support to reduce substance use,
prevent overdoses, and ease the strain on emergency departments and first responders.
“We are deeply grateful to the Niagara Region and the Niagara Prosperity Initiative for their
continued commitment to organizations like ours that are working on the front lines of the
substance use and mental health crisis,” said Carolyn Dyer, Executive Director of REACH
Niagara. Dr. Kim Bender, REACH Niagara’s new Medical Director, had this to say about the new
funding and programming, “With the launch of the PATH Program, we are expanding our
capacity to deliver critical care to those who need it most. This grant and subsequent
programming will provide hope, support, and a path toward healing for hundreds of people in
the Niagara Region.”
The PATH Program will enhance access to comprehensive addiction treatment and healthcare
services for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. By addressing the intersection of
mental health, substance use, and poverty, PATH offers person-centred care that meets
individuals where they are, both physically and in their recovery journey.
Additional quote provided by the Niagara Region:
“Working together to prevent and end poverty and increase well-being in Niagara relies on our ability to collaborate with and leverage the knowledge and expertise of our trusted community partners like REACH Niagara. Financial stability is critical for a person’s well-being and REACH Niagara’s PATH program will help address this important need.”
– Henri Koning, Commissioner Community Services, Niagara Region
About REACH Niagara
REACH Niagara (Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare) is a not-for-profit
organization based in Niagara, Ontario, dedicated to improving access to healthcare for
individuals who are marginalized, underserved, or experiencing homelessness. The
organization operates mobile health clinics and collaborates with local partners to
provide essential health services, including primary care, mental health counselling, and
substance use programming. REACH Niagara’s vision is that all individuals who are
homeless or marginalized have equitable access to healthcare in the Niagara Region.
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Media Contacts
Joel Hannigan
REACH Niagara Communications Coordinator
joel@reachniagara.com
905-380-1934