Released on May 10, 2007
Saskatchewan Health invested new funds in the 2007-08 budget to further enhance a variety of programs and services for the province’s young people, particularly children and youth with major challenges to their mental health and wellness.
In addition to the recent $2 million investment, new funding from Saskatchewan Health in the amount of $500,000, annualized to $1 million in 2008-09, will be used to improve the quality, quantity and access to services for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families.
“Through various initiatives we have significantly increased in resources to address the mental health and wellness challenges of children, youth and families in rural, remote and urban areas,” Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. “These additional funds will enable us to continue to make progress and provide much needed services to our children and youth with mental health challenges.”
The new funds are part of the province’s commitment to making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and a raise a family.
This fall, two mental health specialists, a child psychiatrist and a social worker, will be added to the distance consultation team in Prince Albert for that region, Kelsey Trail Health Region and Northern Saskatchewan. In addition, seven outreach workers will be put into place to provide mental health outreach services, especially to Aboriginal children, youth and their families in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, the Battlefords, La Ronge and Beauval.
Further details regarding all of the initiatives for children’s health care programs and services will be provided in the weeks and months to come.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca