Investment will 'remove barriers for people across the province to get the help they need'
Nova Scotia is investing $1.6 million to provide locals with more mental health and addiction support.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly challenging and has had an impact on many Nova Scotians’ mental health,” said Leo Glavine, minister of health and wellness. “This investment will improve access to mental health services and remove barriers for people across the province to get the help they need.”
The investment will go through the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia which will distribute as much as $25,000 each to different organizations across the province.
“The events over the past year have taken a toll on our collective mental health. More Nova Scotians are struggling with their mental wellness while those already living with mental illness and addiction face significant challenges in their treatment and recovery,” said Starr Cunningham, president and CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “This unprecedented donation will ensure we can provide funding to many important and worthwhile programs that will make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones.”
Nearly half (48 per cent) of Canadians reported needing some form of mental health support, according to Morneau Shepell’s Mental Health Index for the month of October.
The foundation begins accepting online applications on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
Funding comes from Gambling Awareness Nova Scotia, the Department of Health and Wellness and the federal Safe Restart Agreement.
Nova Scotia’s investment in mental health and addictions has increased to $314.5 million this year, said the government.
One in 10 (10 per cent) of Canadians are experiencing recent thoughts or feelings of suicide, up from six per cent in the spring and 2.5 per cent throughout pre-pandemic 2016, according to a study from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
