One Kids Place opens new children’s treatment centre in Parry Sound
New site strengthens services across districts of Parry Sound, Muskoka and Nipissing
Friday, July 25, 2008 -- Jason Thompson
One Kids Place is meeting the needs of children and youth with special needs and their families across the vast reaches of northeastern Ontario with the opening of a new children’s treatment centre in Parry Sound.
In addition to providing supports and services in Parry Sound, the new children’s treatment centre site complements existing One Kids Place sites in North Bay and Huntsville. The three act as a hub across the districts of Parry Sound, Nipissing and Muskoka.
Judy Sharpe, executive director of One Kids Place, says it’s wonderful to see the Parry Sound location open its doors.
“The board, staff and the community are thrilled that we’ve been able to very quickly have a presence in all of the districts we serve,” Sharpe says. “Given the fact we’re in northeastern Ontario and given the distance between sites in our district, it really does warrant a physical presence.”
One Kids Place board chair Marg Hughes, says having children’s treatment centres in all three districts means families will have a place to go to ask questions and receive much needed occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy and specialized clinic services for their kids.
The new centre is open four days a week and is located in the local mall adjacent to the health unit.
Sharpe says this presents many opportunities to work with the health unit, especially with respect to the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program and early screening and prevention programs.
“Both our organizations have chosen to be in such a public place that’s easily accessible and part of the broader community,” Sharpe says.
Linda Kenny, CEO of the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services (OACRS), says with the opening of a new centre, One Kids Place has demonstrated its commitment and ability to deliver regional pediatric service to local communities while fostering strong connections with other specialized pediatric services across the province.
For more information on One Kids Place supports and services or to connect with the centre in Parry Sound, Huntsville or North Bay, visit www.onekidsplace.ca or phone 866-626-9100.
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