Mental Health Awareness Projects Benefit from Significant Funding

Five projects that support mental health awareness initiatives will benefit from approximately $350,000 in funding from the Provincial Government. Each of the projects is intended to enhance the understanding of mental illness and reduce stigma.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined today (Friday, May 18) by George Skinner, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CMHA-NL); Hazel Clarke, Atlantic Manager, Roots of Empathy; and, Al Hawkins, Mayor, Grand Falls-Windsor, at the new CMHA-NL Central Office in Grand Falls-Windsor for the announcement.

“One of the greatest challenges in advancing mental health awareness and acceptance is the associated stigma that is often attached to mental illness,” said Minister Sullivan. “The Provincial Government is working to create awareness and promote understanding within our communities through education and awareness activities. The grants announced today will assist community organizations to deliver programs and services that promote mental health and well-being.”

Details on the community organizations receiving grants are highlighted in the backgrounder below. The projects support the efforts of the Department of Health and Community Services’ e-mental health and awareness program.

“The Provincial Government continues to support mental health and addictions initiatives throughout the province,” said Mr. Skinner. “This has been demonstrated through significant investments over the years including recent funding to help establish two regional offices of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville.”

Minister Sullivan noted at today's announcement that the Provincial Government continues to work to strengthen mental health and addictions services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Strategic investments ensure that individuals have access to these programs and services when and where needed. These investments are evidence of our strong commitment to addressing the complex issues surrounding mental health and addictions.”

Over the past three years the Provincial Government has invested approximately $29 million to enhance mental health and addictions services throughout the province. In Budget 2011, $180,000 was provided to the CMHA-NL for the establishment of two regional offices in Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville. Other recent investments include $180,000 in grassroots grant funding to support early interventions through community-based initiatives.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Projects Receiving One-Time Funding

Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Division
The Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Division received $92,780 to offer the anti-stigma “Think Twice” program to high school students, parents, and teachers. Delivered primarily in school settings, the presentation challenges attitudes and beliefs about mental health and mental illness. It also informs participants about various mental illnesses and how they can seek help for themselves or others.

Roots of Empathy
Roots of Empathy received $110,500 to support program delivery to elementary school children from kindergarten to Grade 8 throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Roots of Empathy program addresses bullying, aggression, and the cycle of intergenerational violence, and promotes positive mental health, social inclusion and better educational outcomes.

Eastern Health
Eastern Health received $73,500 to fund a documentary titled “Waterford Voices.” The documentary will focus on anti-stigma and anti-discrimination messages.

Stella Burry Community Services
Stella Burry Community Services received $50,000 for a media campaign targeted at the general public that is intended to raise awareness of some of the needs of people with complex mental health concerns and ultimately reduce the stigma associated with having and seeking help for a mental illness.

Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador received $25,000 to support a skill-building conference for educators and health care providers. This conference is part of the second phase of the Let’s Talk Eating Disorders Program.

2012 05 18                             1:10 p.m.