CMHA Nova Scotia is one of 28 organizations across the province to receive Safe Restart funding from Province

May 18, 2021

MEDIA RELEASE – Minister of Health and Wellness Zach Churchill

The provincial government is investing more than $850,000 of federal Safe Restart funding in mental health support for 28 organizations across the province, recognizing the importance of mental health to Nova Scotians’ overall well-being.

“These are difficult times for many of us. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed or anxious and it’s important that Nova Scotians know there are services there to support them,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Zach Churchill. “These investments will support the important work that our local organizations do in their community. They have a deep understanding of the needs in their communities and amongst their clients and we want to support them in this work.”

Organizations across the province that serve those most vulnerable to the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 are receiving funding through the federal Safe Restart Agreement.

Government had previously announced funding for other organizations through the federal Safe Restart Agreement, including $1.6 million for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and $125,000 for the Aidaen Mae Fund in Yarmouth.

Quotes:

We are pleased to receive this funding as it will enable us to continue to provide online resources, free virtual programming and psycho-social wellness programming. These supports are offering coping strategies for the pandemic, which are key to supporting Nova Scotians through these challenging times. Patricia Murray, interim executive director, Canadian Mental Health Association – Nova Scotia Division

The pandemic has highlighted increased respite needs in the autism and disability community. This investment will help build a culturally relevant training program, in partnership with the community, that will better support the needs of Mi’kmaw families. Cynthia Carroll, executive director, Autism Nova Scotia.

We are thrilled to continue serving over 70,000 Nova Scotians impacted by acquired brain injury through increased education and training offerings and expanding our existing yoga and music therapy programs. Sam Clarke, director of marketing & communications, Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia

We are so pleased to receive this funding to develop mental health resources for Black women as HAAC has advocated for and identified this as a significant gap in the health system. Sharon Davis-Murdoch, co-president, Health Association of African Canadians

Quick Facts:

government’s investment in mental health and addictions has increased to $336.5 million this fiscal year
the Mental Health Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing crisis response for children, youth and adults anywhere in the province; anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call the line toll-free at 1-888-429-8167
Nova Scotians can self-refer to Nova Scotia Health’s Community Mental Health and Addictions clinics, Withdrawal Management Services, or Opioid Replacement and Treatment Programs, using the Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service Line; the service line is toll-free and is available weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-855-922-1122.
the Mental Health Crisis Line receives an average of 20,000 calls each year and as a result of the pandemic, managed 25,000 calls in 2020

Additional Resources:

Province of Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/
Government of Canada Safe Restart Agreement: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/services/safe-restart-agreement.html
Nova Scotia Health Authority Mental Health and Addictions services: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en
IWK Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions: http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health