New Money for Mental Health
Nova Scotians with mental health problems will see new and enhanced mental health services as a result of an additional $4 million funding in over the next two health budgets, says Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. The minister made the announcement at the IWK Health Centre today, April 14, with representatives from the mental health community.
"This government is making good on its promise to expand mental health services that will improve access to high quality care across the province," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Historically, mental health has been underfunded, yet we are slowly making progress to change this. With program standards in place, we can easily identify the areas of greatest need, which means any new dollars coming forward can make the most difference to Nova Scotians."
The new funding will be used by district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre to increase access to mental health services in three priority areas: services for children and youth; crisis/emergency services; and community-based supports for those with chronic and persistent mental illness. Improving mental health services within communities helps people get the care they need, as close to home as possible, and helps prevent, reduce, or defer unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
Over the coming weeks and months, the Department of Health will work with district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre to identify the programs and services that will receive this new funding.
"It is good news indeed that funding is being directed where it is most needed -- toward programs that support mental health intervention and care for children and youth," said Anne McGuire, president and CEO, IWK Health Centre. "This attention to mental health care for the young assures us that access will continue to improve, and standards will be met. This will mean more young Nova Scotians can access the mental health care they need, when they need it."
"New dollars for community mental health services and emergency services is in line with where we are focusing services in our district," said Dr. Scott Theriault, clinical director, Capital Health mental health program. "We are completing strategic planning for mental health, and additional investment will certainly help enhance services for the people in our district and across the province."
"I am impressed that the minister and his department are focusing on mental illness and wellness across the province," said Charlene Thomas, senior director, mental health program for Antigonish Guysborough Strait and Pictou County health authorities. "Our communities share this commitment and we are excited about new funding that will help us better serve patients and families who face mental health problems."
In 2003, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to establish a strategic direction and core program standards for mental health. These were developed with mental health professionals, academics, advocacy groups, and mental health consumers. At the time, it was estimated that it would take five to 10 years and an additional investment of $20 million to implement the mental health standards.
As a first step, government added $2 million to the 2003-04 budget. The addition of today's announcement means that Nova Scotia will invest more than $6 million in improved mental health services over four years.