We are thrilled to announce that the Supportive Outreach Service (SOS) has been nominated for the Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Not-for-Profit Award! This nomination highlights the tireless work, compassion, and innovative spirit that the SOS team brings to some of Grey County’s most vulnerable community members.

What is the Supportive Outreach Service (SOS)?

SOS is a mobile, person-centered initiative designed to bridge the gap for individuals who face significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services. By offering a multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral health and social mobile response, SOS is improving health outcomes and promoting health equity for highly marginalized individuals across Grey County.

Meet the SOS Team

The SOS team is a powerful collaboration between several organizations, each bringing vital expertise:

• Nurse Practitioners (Brightshores Health System) – Providing primary care and addiction support
• Mental Health Counsellor (Canadian Mental Health Association – CMHA) – Offering compassionate mental health services
• Community Paramedics (Grey County) – Delivering critical paramedic support
• Social Navigator (United Way Bruce Grey) – Connecting individuals with essential social services

Services Provided

The collaborative SOS team, supported by physicians specializing in addiction medicine, offers a wide array of life-changing services:

Medical Care

• Episodic and follow-up care, including wound treatment, infectious disease management, and preventative healthcare
• Broad vaccination initiatives in partnership with the Grey Bruce Public Health

Addictions Care

• Supportive addiction treatment brought directly to individuals
• Provision of harm reduction equipment and non-judgmental, safety-focused education

Crisis Management

• Real-time collaborative response to opioid emergencies and adverse events, working alongside 911 emergency services
• Team-based follow-up care within 72 hours of incidents

Comprehensive Mental Health Care

• Inclusive, dignity-centered counselling and case management services

Wrap-Around Social Care

• Immediate social supports, including food, clothing, and emergency housing assistance

Supportive System Navigation

• Consistent, trust-based engagement to ease referrals and improve access to broader healthcare and social service systems

How to Access SOS

The SOS team operates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and can be reached at:

• Phone: 519-379-8743
• Email: sos@cmhagb.org

Please note: messages are not monitored 24/7. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or the Grey Bruce Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-877-470-5200.

Referrals for Front Line Workers

First responders or front-line workers can refer individuals (with client consent) by:

• Connecting with the team at SOS Markets in Hanover and Owen Sound on alternating Wednesdays
• Checking the online calendar for the next available pop-up clinic

Help Recognize the SOS Team!

We encourage everyone to support the incredible work of SOS by casting your vote! Visit https://oschamber.com/ to show your appreciation for a team making real, lasting impacts in our community.

Together, let’s celebrate innovation, compassion, and the relentless drive to create a healthier, more equitable Grey County!