|
Mental Health Week Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today proclaimed May 5-11 as Mental Health Week. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) created the week over 50 years ago to raise awareness about the extent and impact of mental illness on our society. Recently, the Department of Health and Community Services provided a $50,000 grant to CMHA for their new initiative, "Changing Minds". This project aims to prevent people with serious mental illness from becoming involved in the criminal justice system. It will raise awareness about the stigma of mental illness through an education program. "Serious mental illnesses affect many residents of this province," said Minister Smith. "Enhancing and developing mental health services is not something we can do alone. We remain committed to working with partners such as the CMHA and the Consumer Health Network Newfoundland and Labrador (CHANNAL) in providing self-help and empowerment opportunities in all regions of the province." Through the province�s new strategic health plan, Healthier Together, the department will be developing a mental health strategy to achieve a more comprehensive set of mental health services. This strategy will be built on the current initiatives available in this province and will provide the basis for policy direction in this area. The department is also developing a long-term care and supportive services strategy to meet the needs of individuals requiring these services. "Gains have been made in mental health services in this province since the mid-1990s," said Minister Smith. "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." Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-2788. 2003 05 05 2:45 p.m. |
||
|
