Four organizations come together to launch new outpatient referral service

Several organizations have joined forces to offer a single point of contact called Access Point Northwest, dedicated to helping people find the services they need.

Access Point Northwest simplifies the outpatient referral process for clients and primary care providers in Northwestern Ontario. It is for people and health care providers to access programs specifically in outpatient mental health, supportive housing, case management, and chronic pain management.

With resources and implementation support provided by the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Access Point Northwest is a collaborative effort between Alpha Court, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Thunder Bay, St. Joseph’s Care Group and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Clients and care providers can access the new service both online and by phone. northwestaccesspoint.ca | (807) 624-3482

“Northwest Access Point will ensure entry into service is accessible, timely, and equitable. Coordinated access
provides people with a clear pathway to care and is designed to match identified need with the appropriate level
of service. Northwest Access Point is also a promising source of data to assess trends in the need for and provision
of mental health services.”

Nicole Latour, Executive Director of Alpha Court

“Access Point Northwest is the first of its kind to support the out patient referral process for clients and primary care
providers in the northwest. This shared model has been successfully implemented by CMHA branches in other
areas in Ontario, and we look forward to reaping similar benefits to access and care.”

Sharon Pitawanakwat, Chief Executive Officer, CMHA Thunder Bay

“Our health care system can be complex and difficult to navigate. Access Point Northwest is a single point of
contact that allows clients or referents to connect with four organizations at once. Information about outpatient
mental health, supportive housing, case management and chronic pain management can be readily obtained,
leading to quicker access to care and better health outcomes. We are proud to be a partner in this collaboration.”

Tracy Buckler, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group

“Access Point Northwest removes guesswork and ensures patients access the right care at the right time. This
collaboration is one way we are improving experiences for patients.”

Jean Bartkowiak, President & CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

For further information please contact:

Kim Callaghan
Director of Communications,
St. Josephs Care Group
(807) 346-5226
callaghk@tbh.net