Health and Community Services
January 2, 2015
Strengthening Mental Health and Addictions Supports for Families and Communities
Enhancing Mental Health and Addictions Care a Priority for the Provincial Government
Advancing mental health and addictions continues to be a key focus for the Provincial Government. In 2015, increased emphasis will be placed on this area as a new comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy is developed. The strategy will be a guiding document, developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the general public that will shape a new plan to enhance mental health and addictions services for all residents.
"We have come a long way in our province with respect to the services and programs that are available for people who are living with a mental illness or addiction and we know there is more that needs to be done. Our government has committed to develop a new provincial mental health and addictions strategy in the coming year and this work will further build on the recent successes that we have achieved. Improving mental health and addictions services takes a collaborative effort on the part of the Provincial Government, communities, organizations and all stakeholders. We are all working towards the same goal and it is important that we collectively focus our efforts to find the best solutions that will benefit all who need these services."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Recently, three new members, Paula Corcoran, Angie Wilmott and Rita Notarandrea, were appointed to the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council, and Sheldon Pollett has been named the Interim Chair. The council was established in 2010 to advise the Minister of Health and Community Services on key mental health and addictions matters in order to enhance services and improve the lives of those living with mental health and addictions issues.
"Coordination is key. Mental health and addictions intersect so many of the services, programs and community organizations in this province. We need a cohesive strategy that identifies mental health and addictions as a sustained priority for the province. The advisory council is a step in that direction and we need all players to come to the table with their expertise, perspectives and solutions. This is about raising the profile, eliminating the stigma and ultimately addressing the health care needs of those living with mental illness and addictions."
- Sheldon Pollett, Interim Chair, Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council
This past year, two new 12-bed treatment centres opened in Grand Falls-Windsor and Paradise for youth with addictions and youth with complex mental health needs. These facilities offer services for young people age 12 to 18 years old, that were not previously available in this province. The centres focus on providing safe and secure environments for young people to heal and learn as they work towards recovery.
In addition, work is also progressing on a new adult addictions centre in Harbour Grace which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015 and site preparation is ongoing for the development of a new state-of-the-art mental health facility to replace the Waterford Hospital.
The Provincial Government provides approximately $100 million annually to support mental health and addictions programming and services provided by the four regional health authorities and over $2 million annually to support 10 community agencies that provide mental health and addictions services.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is committed to developing a new mental health and addictions strategy in 2015.
- This past year two new treatment centres have opened in the province for youth with addictions and complex mental health needs and work is ongoing on the development of a new adult addictions centre and replacement of the Waterford Hospital.
- Three new members have recently been appointed to the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council. The council advises the Minister of Health and Community Services on key mental health and addictions matters.
- The Understanding Changes Everything anti-stigma campaign was launched this past May to help change the way people think and act toward individuals with a mental illness or addiction. The three-year campaign consists of television commercials, online and cinema advertising and social media materials.
- Over $100 million is provided annually for mental health and addictions services provided throughout the province and $2 million is provided to support 10 mental health and addictions community agencies.
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Media contact:
| Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
2015 01 02 10:10 a.m.