All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions Presents Progress Report and Next Steps

October 26, 2015

Strengthening Mental Health and Addictions Services

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services and Chair of the All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, was joined today by Andrew Parsons, Opposition Critic for the Department of Health and Community Services and MHA for the District of Burgeo – La Poile and Gerry Rogers, Third Party Critic for Mental Health and Addictions and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre to provide an update on progress made by the All-Party Committee in its review of the mental health and addictions system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Since May, the All-Party Committee has heard from individuals and families living with mental illness and addictions, as well as community groups, experts, health professionals and the general public. It has been inspiring to see so many key perspectives coming together to help us by providing insight into ways we can transform the provincial mental health and addictions system by reducing stigma and increasing access to improved supports and services for those who need them.”
– The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Today, members of the All-Party Committee presented a progress report featuring key themes drawn from province-wide public consultations, as well as next steps. Key themes include:

• Increased quality and access to services;
• Enhanced policy and program development;
• Strengthened community supports; and
• An increased focus on prevention and the promotion of positive mental health.

These themes will inform the development of recommendations for improving programs and services to better serve the needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness and addictions. Once finalized, the recommendations will be tabled in the House of Assembly.

“As we travelled the province we repeatedly heard of the need for an increased focus on promoting positive mental health. Individuals suffering with mental illness require the tools needed to help them change their perspective as the first step in a longer healing process. In the coming months the All-Party Committee will consult with experts in their fields seeking input on how to best affect that change with a comprehensive strategy that will reduce the stigma around mental illness and addictions.”
– Andrew Parsons, Opposition Critic for the Department of Health and Community Services and MHA for the District of Burgeo – La Poile

The progress report released today by the All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions has been made available to the public online at www.BeHeardNL.ca . Next steps highlighted in the report include:

• Consultation with more experts in the fields of addictions, harm reduction and methadone maintenance treatment and the mental health of seniors, caregivers, women, children and youth, military personnel and veterans, and LGBTQ communities;
• Consultation with more Aboriginal groups; and,
• Completion of community public consultations.

To ensure its mandate is fulfilled on behalf of the people of the province, the Committee has recommended that its work continue following the 2015 Provincial General Election.

“People were so incredibly courageous when they trusted us with their stories, some of incredible pain and suffering. Individuals, families, and healthcare professionals have told us loudly and clearly what needs to be done. We have to roll up our sleeves and do the right thing.”
– Gerry Rogers, Third Party Critic for Mental Health and Addictions and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre

The All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions was established after a private members motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly in January of 2015.

QUICK FACTS:

• Members of the province’s All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions have released a progress report featuring key themes drawn from province-wide public consultations, as well as next steps.
• These themes will inform the development of recommendations for improving the province’s mental health and addictions system, which will be tabled in the House of Assembly.
• Next steps for the All-Party Committee include additional consultations with area experts and Aboriginal communities and completion of community public consultations.
• The All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions was established after a private members motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly in January of 2015.

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca

Carla Foote
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151, 691-6673
carlafoote@gov.nl.ca

Jean Graham
Director of Communications
New Democratic Party Caucus Office
709-729-2137, 693-9172
jeangraham@gov.nl.ca

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