A joint $18 million investment between the province and federal government to mental health. It was announced by Brian Comer, Minister responsible for Nova Scotia’s Office of Addictions and Mental Health, and Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.
It comes as a first step to made good of the 130 recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission after the 2020 Nova Scotia Mass Shootings.
“The tragic events that unfolded in this province three years ago have had a lasting impact on families of the victims and the communities they call home,” said Minister Comer. “Today, we’re taking an important step to address the immediate need for mental health support in the communities with funding to hire more people and offer more services. At the same time, we’re immediately starting community consultation to design programs and services to meet their needs, now and in the future.”
The funding will come over a two-year period $9 million from the province, $9 million from the federal government.
The commission also recommended that the program:
— provide concerted supports on an urgent basis and transition to long-term care over time
— be developed and implemented by a local multidisciplinary team of health professionals
— provide Mi’kmaw communities the opportunity to participate in the program
— be funded to carry out needs and impact assessments in 2023, 2025 and 2028.
It will go the communities who were affected by the tragedy to help cope with grief and bereavement, including Cumberland, Cole Chester and Hants Counties.
Additional community resources will be available to the community immediately:
— New mental health outreach staff will be based in Truro starting Monday, May 1. Outreach workers travel to communities to provide mental wellness supports to individuals and groups. They also help connect people to other supports – including clinical mental healthcare – as needed.
— A mobile unit staffed by a clinical team offering a range of health and wellness services in the community, including access to mental wellness and grief support, will be available on Saturdays in May, beginning May 6 at the Bass River Fire Hall, 5554 Glooscap Trail, Bass River. A schedule of dates, times and community locations across Cumberland, Colchester and Hants counties will be made available as the service expands.
— A second team focused on community engagement will be on-site with the mobile unit to hear from community on how best to meet their needs. Community members can also meet with that team starting May 6 at the Bass River Fire Hall.
“Our government is committed to continue collaborating with the Province of Nova Scotia in their efforts to address the public and mental health needs of the people of Nova Scotia. The journey ahead will not be without its challenges, but it will emphasize the importance of communities, equity and social determinants of mental health. We will support Nova Scotia in enhancing its mental health capacity, including through its mental health and addictions program, and will continue to work with partners to ensure that appropriate mental health supports are available in the communities. We will continue working with our partners to address the mental health recommendations and support the people of Nova Scotia on their path to healing.”
– Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of
Health
Community resources will be available starting Monday, May 1
A link to the news release is here.
