Released on May 7, 2013
National Mental Health Week May 6-12
The Government of Saskatchewan is taking a patient first approach to developing a mental health and addictions action plan, building upon the care and services already in place to better serve some of the most vulnerable people in Saskatchewan.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan today announced at a Canadian Mental Health Association brunch in Regina that an inter-ministerial action plan will be developed to address the complex and often connected issues of mental health and addictions. Sectors of government involved include Health, Social Services, Education, Corrections and Policing and Justice.
“Improving mental health and addictions services is a priority for our government, and we recognize the need for a comprehensive, strategic, and collaborative approach for the province,” Duncan said. “We have a vision for making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work, get an education, start a family and build a life. In order to accomplish this vision and fulfill the bold goals set by the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, we recognize we must move forward and make meaningful change for those affected by mental health and addictions issues.”
A commissioner will be appointed in the coming weeks to lead this important work. A consultation phase will seek input from clients, stakeholders, advocates, leaders and front-line workers in the field of mental health and addictions to inform the action plan and better address the needs of clients and families across the province. This will include input from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth and the Provincial Ombudsman. The action plan and accompanying recommendations are set to be complete by fall 2014.
“This will take more than the efforts of one ministry,” Social Services Minister and Chair of the Cabinet Committee for the Child and Family Agenda June Draude said. “We need to approach this important issue through the lens of supporting clients in the best way possible. Our commitment to develop an inter-ministerial action plan acts on recommendations from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth, and is a further step in the right direction to improve services.”
The plan will cover a broad range of mental health and addictions issues including depression, anxiety and suicide as well as schizophrenia.
“Our association is fully supportive of an integrated, inter-ministerial approach to planning for mental health services, and is pleased the government is moving in this direction,” Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association Executive Director Dave Nelson said. “We look forward to working with government on this important initiative.”
“We are pleased that Saskatchewan has taken this significant step forward to put a concerted focus on improving the mental health and well-being of its population,” Mental Health Commission of Canada President and CEO Louise Bradley said.
One in every five Canadians deals with a mental health condition yearly, which means that many Saskatchewan families are impacted, either directly or indirectly, by mental illness.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594