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$1.2 M pledged to mental health, addictions

The Brandon Sun - 4/19/2021

Mental health and addictions initiatives will receive $1.2 million from a shared federal-provincial government program a statement released by the provincial government said on Friday.

The funding comes from the Canada-Manitoba Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services Funding agreement Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audry Gordon announced.

“Our government understands that mental health is just as important as physical health and we know that many people are struggling with the additional pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gordon said.

The funding will be in support of mental health and addictions services to “those who need them,” she said.

The province will be providing funding for a variety of organizations and initiatives. Those organizations include:

$810,000 to Blue Thunderbird Family Care Inc. to extend the Granny’s House community respite pilot project for a second year and expand it to a second location

$200,000 to the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre for clinician assessment and referral services in Thompson

$60,000 for Community Living disAbility Services clients for Naloxone kits

$123,000 to the Mount Carmel Clinic for its Super Dads Program and other services

$35,000 to the Clan Mothers Healing Village for its public education campaign against sexual exploitation

$30,000 to the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters for virtual staff training curriculum and

$21,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association for Thrival Kits (virtual component)

The province plans to support vulnerable populations, including children and youth, and increase community prevention services for families in a move to help reduce their risk of involvement with Manitoba Child and Family Services.

“Naloxone kits will be available to (Community Living disAbility Services) clients outside of Winnipeg, including in Brandon,” a provincial government spokesperson responded in an email when contacted by The Sun.

“A portion of the funding announced today will support a virtual component of Thrival Kits, which have been used in classrooms to promote the mental well-being of children. Staff training for the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters will benefit women who need shelter support across the province.”

The Canada-Manitoba Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services Funding Agreement supports services across a spectrum of mental health and addictions needs, the release stated.

The Sun contacted the regional office for Community Living disAbility Services for Brandon to gain insight on the Westman region. At press time, no comment was available.

The announcement is a result of recommendations made from the VIRGO report completed in 2018 titled “Improving Access and Coordination of Mental Health and Addictions Services: A Provincial Strategy for all Manitobans.”

The report recommended improving access and co-ordination of mental health and addictions services in the province.