I rise in this house today to recognize May 1-7 as Mental Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year�s theme is Take control of your health � take care of your mind.

As part of marking Mental Health Week in the country, the Canadian Mental Health Association has developed a Mental Health Meter to help people to better understand what it means to be mentally healthy. I am pleased to distribute these today to my colleagues in the House of Assembly.

I was pleased to join the Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association earlier today for the official launch of the Changing Minds project. Changing Minds was created in order to address a community need for mental health education, reduction of stigma and to promote a better understanding of mental health and mental illness. In particular, the program helps to inform front line staff on how to detect the signs and symptoms of mental illness and how to communicate more effectively with a person experiencing a mental health issue. Our government is pleased to have provided over $150,000 over the last three years to fund this important initiative.

One in four Canadians will experience a mental illness over their lifetime. Government recognizes that mental health is an important component of overall health and when we have good mental health we are able to enjoy life to the fullest and be more productive, creative and capable citizens. To this end, government has committed $2 million over the last two years for mental health services, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening resources for mental health consumers.

I am also pleased to announce today that our government will provide coverage for the drug Risperdal Consta for persons suffering from schizophrenia. This drug will be available starting in September, under special authorization, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, as a result of recommendations provided by the Atlantic Expert Advisory Committee.

Government recognizes the importance of new mental health legislation that is truly responsive to the needs of our people. My department has completed provincial consultations with stakeholders on a legislative framework and I look forward to standing in this house to introduce a new mental health act this year.

I would like to ask colleagues to join me in recognition of Mental Health Week.

2006 05 03                    2:25 p.m.