Health and Community Services
June 23, 2010Mental Health Issues to be Discussed
at Public Forum
Working Together for Mental Health is the theme of a public forum
being hosted by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and
Community Services, this evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital Hotel in
St. John's. Representatives from the Mental Health Commission of Canada,
Senator Michael Kirby, Chair; Dr. David Goldbloom, Vice-Chair; Louise
Bradley, CEO; and Dr. Howard Chodos, Vice-President; will also
participate in the forum. A question and answer session will follow.
"Our government is aware of the profound effect that mental health
and addictions issues have on individuals, families and our
communities," said Minister Kennedy. "We are making significant
investments in mental health and addictions services in the province to
ensure individuals have access to these services when and where needed.
In addition, we are listening to stakeholders and individuals to hear
from them directly how we can improve the services being provided."
The intent of the public forum is to highlight mental health
initiatives being undertaken by the Provincial Government and the Mental
Health Commission of Canada and provide an opportunity for the general
public, mental health professionals and community groups to discuss
mental health issues in Newfoundland and Labrador.
On Thursday, June 24, Minister Kennedy and Senator Kirby will also
take part in a mental health conference. Invited participants include
individuals and families with personal experiences of mental illness
and/or addictions, community service leaders and providers, and
physicians and mental health and addictions staff from the Regional
Health Authorities.
"I am pleased that Senator Kirby has agreed to come to our province
and speak to his research on mental health services in this country,"
said Minister Kennedy. "By working with stakeholders and families we can
ensure individuals get the support they need."
In 2005, the Provincial Government released the provincial policy
framework Working Together for Mental Health. This framework, the
first for mental health in Newfoundland and Labrador, sets out a
comprehensive strategy for the mental health and addictions system that
encompasses all age groups and the full continuum of mental health and
addictions services. The Mental Health Care and Treatment Act,
which came into effect on October 1, 2007, represents a new approach in
providing interventions and services for people with severe and
persistent mental illness.
Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our
Future includes an investment of $7.2 million to strengthen mental
health and addictions services in the province, including $2.4 million
for continued planning and construction of a new residential treatment
centre in St. John's for children and youth with complex mental health
needs; $2 million to further a new residential treatment centre in Grand
Falls-Windsor for children and youth with addictions; $2 million for the
planning and development of an adult residential addictions treatment
centre in Harbour Grace; $482,900 to enhance child psychiatry services
at the Janeway Hospital; and, $300,000 to support new community-based
projects, with a focus on mental health and addictions issues.
In addition to this year's budget, the Provincial Government has
invested $17.9 million over the past five years in mental health and
addictions, which included the creation of an adolescent day
treatment program; three assertive community treatment teams; new mental
health legislation; the opening of Humberwood Provincial Treatment
Centre in Corner Brook, which offers complete rehabilitative services to
adult residents of the province requiring in-patient treatment; and
funding for several community groups.
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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-2646
