Health and Community Services
September 26, 2014
Investments in Mental Health Services Support Strong Communities
Provincial Government Invests $53,500 to Support Student Anti-Stigma Program
An investment of $53,500 is being provided by the Provincial Government to help support an anti-stigma educational program for schools. The funding is being allocated to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CMHA-NL) which delivers the program to students throughout the province.
“As a proud partner of CMHA-NL, the Provincial Government is committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to enhance the lives of individuals and families living with mental health issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. This investment of $53,500 will provide funding for the CMHA-NL’s Think Twice program and ensure necessary resources are in place for the development of a new strategic plan.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Health and Community Services
The Think Twice program is an anti-stigma educational initiative that was introduced in 2010. Delivered in school settings, it challenges young people on their attitudes and beliefs about mental health and mental illness, informs students about the various mental illnesses, and provides information on how they can get help for themselves or their friends. The funding will also go towards the development of a new strategic plan which will carry the organization forward.
“We are extremely pleased with Provincial Government’s decision to provide this funding towards our Think Twice initiative in partnership with CMHA-NL. With this support we are now able to plan future sessions for the youth of our province concerning the significant mental health issues they are telling us they experience in today’s society”
- George Skinner, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association – Newfoundland and Labrador
The Provincial Government invests $100 million annually for mental health and addictions programs and services provided by the four regional health authorities. In addition, through Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, nearly $2 million is being provided to 10 community agencies that provide mental health and additions services. Including this latest investment, the CMHA-NL has received $494,200 this year in funding to support its operations and the Mindscapes Gala fundraiser.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is investing $53,500 to support an anti-stigma educational program for schools.
- The funding will assist the CMHA-NL to sustain and evaluate its Think Twice program and develop a new strategic plan.
- The Provincial Government invests $100 million annually for mental health and addictions programs and services in the four regional health authorities.
- Through Budget 2014, nearly $2 million is being provided to 10 community agencies that provide mental health and additions services.
- The CMHA-NL has received $494,200 in funding this year to support its operations, the Mindscapes Gala fundraiser, and the Think Twice program.
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Media contacts:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
George Skinner Executive Director Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador 709-738-2137 gskinner@cmhanl.ca |
2014 09 26 10:10 a.m.