Minister acknowledges Mental Health Week

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today acknowledged May 5-12 as Mental Health Week. The week was created over 50 years ago by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), which seeks to promote the mental health of all people and to serve mental health consumers, their families and friends.

"I would like to take this opportunity to commend the initiatives and partnerships of CMHA- Newfoundland and Labrador Division with health consumers and in the community which have helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness," said Minister Smith. "We recognize we still have challenges in this area and we remain dedicated to strengthening community-based mental health services. I look forward to sharing a future where good mental health services are a strong and integral part of a comprehensive health and community services system.

The Department of Health and Community Services is currently working with service providers in each region to develop the range of services that can be provided within available resources. A comprehensive range of services includes promotion and prevention, early intervention, crisis services, case management, inpatient and outpatient care, housing, consumer and family initiatives and vocational and educational supports.

"Budget 2002 addressed one area of concern by setting aside $800,000 for the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s to establish a psychiatric assessment/short stay unit in the capital city," said Minister Smith. "The unit will assist in better responding to mental health clients who are unnecessarily detained in the city lock-up and is expected to open in early 2003."

Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the extent and impact of mental illness on our society. It is estimated that one in five Canadians will suffer from a mental illness at some time in their lives. Approximately 2.5 million Canadian adults, or over 10 per cent of the population 18 years of age and over, will have a depressive disorder and almost 20 per cent of children and youth in Canada have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Each year, CMHA provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff in locally run organizations in all provinces and territories, and branches in more than 135 countries.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2002 05 06                             3:55 p.m.