Calls from those looking for help with drug and alcohol withdrawal and addiction are now being accepted to Brantford’s first withdrawal management and residential treatment centre.

Executive Director of St. Leonard’s Community Services, Brad Stark, says this project has been a long time coming as plans began in 2010, and expects the services to be in great demand.

“I suspect we will be at maximum capacity almost right out of the gate…we do know in the last three years there have been 250 people from Brantford who have gone elsewhere for this type of service. Now that we have it here in town we expect it to be well utilized and we’re just glad we have something.” Brad Stark,

Executive Director, St. Leonard’s Community Services

The centre is located at 135 Elgin Street in Brantford and a partnership between St. Leonard’s Community Services, the Brant Community Health Care System and the Hamilton-Niagara, Haldimand, Brant Local Health Integration Network.

The home offers 7 withdrawal management beds, as well as a five week residential treatment program and day treatment available. All programs are available to both men and women.

St. Leonard’s Community Services Director of Clinical Services, Kim Baker says they have built a plan into their detox program to leverage the motivation of those participants by connecting them to additional programs offered, however, all participants must first be assessed as a good match for the programs.

“If they come in the door, they’re brave enough to come in the door, and they’re here with us, we really want to get them connected to other services and support…that’s really our objective is that they leave withdrawal management with an ongoing plan for their care…an ongoing plan for their recovery beyond that short stay.” Kim Baker,

Director of Clinical Services, St. Leonard’s

Baker adds, those looking to attend the residential or day treatment programs can contact St. Leonard’s at 519-754-0253 to complete an assessment. There is no referral needed to access the detox management.

The centre has been named in honour of the Honourable James Kent, who was St. Leonard’s founding board president in 1968 while he was a law student. Kent served three terms as president and remained on the board until he was appointed to the bench in 1982.