The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:
I rise today to recognize May 7 to 13 as Mental Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, this year’s theme is #Get Loud about what mental health really is. Silence hurts and Stigma kills. I encourage everyone to stand up, speak out and talk openly about mental health.
I will participate in the Canadian Mental Health Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Launch the Light kick-off event on Signal Hill tonight.
I acknowledge the work of the national association and their 100th anniversary as champions of mental health. Your efforts are making a difference for people and families living in communities throughout this province. Here’s to 100 more years.
Through the Towards Recovery Action Plan, we are making progress to create greater awareness and improve access to needed supports and services. Initiatives like Doorways, TAO or Therapist Assisted Online, and Roots of Hope on the Burin Peninsula, are all making a real difference.
The impact of these services, in particular walk-in clinics, have already resulted in reduced wait times of between 10 to 20 per cent for counselling services throughout the province.
Wait times have gone from as high as 180 days just a few months ago down to zero wait time on the Burin Peninsula. In Corner Brook, the numbers waiting for adult mental health and addictions counselling have been reduced from 192 people waiting last March to 19 this month.
It is through partnerships like the one we have with the association that we can build on this progress to better support those experiencing challenges.
On behalf of all members in this Honourable House, I thank the many groups, organizations and individuals who continue to advocate for mental health throughout the year.
Let’s get loud for mental health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.