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NLIS 4 April 1, 2002 (Health and Community Services) Government partners with Community Mental Health Initiative Inc. The departments of Health and Community Services, Justice, Education, and Human Resources and Employment are jointly providing financial support to the Community Mental Health Initiatives Inc. (CMHI) in western Newfoundland. Through this partnership, the departments will contribute a total of $13,600 which will allow CMHI to hire an inter-agency coordinator."I am very pleased to join with my colleagues in providing funding for this position," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services. "This will enable CMHI to continue its role as an advocate for mental health issues and provide government with valuable input." CMHI is a community-based initiative comprised of representatives of Western Health Care Corporation, professional agencies, community groups and consumers. The members work together to promote quality community mental health services. "Community Mental Health Initiatives Inc. is a valuable organization," added Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Justice. "I�m also pleased to assist with funding to hire a coordinator. This individual will enhance the organization�s ability to streamline mental health issues to government." CMHI also operates Blomidon Place, an inter-agency community-based assessment and treatment centre for children and youth, and runs Family Justice Services Western, a pilot project that provides education, mediation and counselling services to adults and children where applications for custody, access and/or spousal support have been made to the Supreme Court or the Provincial Court. "This service delivery is consistent with the one promoted through the Model for Coordination of Services to Children and Youth, which uses a collaborative approach in identifying the strengths and needs of children and youth. The Department of Education is proud to support this initiative," said Education Minister Judy Foote. This latest initiative is a great example of community and government working together. "Thanks to this collaboration of resources and expertise, people in the Western Region will continue to have high quality access to mental health services and information," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. Catherine Maggs, chair of CMHI, said the inter-agency coordinator will assist CMHI improve its financial and statistical accountability systems, oversee CMHI�s various projects and assist the board as an advocate and lobbyist on mental health issues. The CMHI recently appointed Jennifer Collins to this position. "The organization operates largely on the strength of its volunteers to complete its endeavours," said Ms. Maggs. "We have recognized a need for an inter-agency coordinator to manage our daily operations and we are pleased to receive government support for this position." Media contact: Kelly Foss, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-6670 2002 04 01 3:15 p.m.
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