N.S., federal governments investing millions in mental health supports ahead of MCC deadline

CITYnews halifax \ By Mark Hodgins & Dan Ahlstrand

Millions of dollars are being invested into mental health care in Nova Scotia, ahead of a deadline for the implementation of some recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission.

The Nova Scotia government and Ottawa will each be spending $9 million over the next two years to increase mental health, grief and bereavement resources in parts of the province directly impacted by the mass shooting.

The Mass Casualty Commission’s final report recommended the two levels of government “address the public health emergency that exists in Colchester, Cumberland, and Hants counties as a result of an unmet need for mental health, grief, and bereavement supports arising from the April 2020 mass casualty”.

“Today, we’re taking an important step to address the immediate need for mental health support in the communities with funding to hire more people and offer more services. At the same time, we’re

immediately starting community consultation to design programs and services to meet their needs, now and in the future.” said Nova Scotia’s minister of mental health and addictions, Brian Comer.

Here’s what the funding will mean, according to the province:

– New mental health outreach staff will be based in Truro starting Monday, May 1. Outreach workers travel to communities to provide mental wellness support to individuals and groups. They also help connect people to other supports – including clinical mental healthcare – as needed.

– A mobile unit staffed by a clinical team offering a range of health and wellness services in the community, including access to mental wellness and grief support, will be available on Saturdays in May, beginning May 6 at the Bass River Fire Hall, 5554 Glooscap Trail, Bass River. A schedule of dates, times and community locations across Cumberland, Colchester and Hants counties will be made available as the service expands.

– A second team focused on community engagement will be on-site with the mobile unit to hear from the community on how best to meet their needs. Community members can also meet with that team starting May 6 at the Bass River Fire Hall.

The province says it has started recruiting professionals and is asking people in the communities to call 2-1-1 for more information.

$18 million announced April 28th for mental health supports for communities impacted by Nova Scotia mass shooting. Nova Scotia’s minister of mental health and addictions, Brian Comer NS Gov Photo