The Department of Health and Community Services has provided $550,000 in funding to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CMHA-NL) to support mental health and suicide prevention training initiatives.
This funding will enable CMHA-NL to continue to partner with Lifewise NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation for Survivors of Suicide Loss to provide essential training programs across the province. This aligns with the recommendations in Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador to increase access to evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention training, thereby enhancing community resources and creating more resilient and supportive communities.
Building upon earlier funding, 62 courses have been offered with 630 people attending training in either Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or SafeTalk across the province as of March 2024. This investment will further support a coordinated and efficient approach to mental health training across the province.
Centralizing training with CMHA-NL, in collaboration with Lifewise NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation for Survivors of Suicide Loss, will also help streamline administration, reduce per-participant costs, and allow Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion (CAPMHP) Program funds historically used for this purpose to support additional community initiatives.
Budget 2024 includes more than $17 million to help improve access to mental health and addictions services by expanding options for individuals seeking help when and where needed.
Quotes
“We are dedicated to fostering a resilient and supportive community by investing in essential mental health and suicide prevention training programs. This funding represents a significant step towards achieving the goals outlined in Our Path of Resilience. It enables CMHA-NL, Lifewise and Richard’s Legacy Foundation to continue providing invaluable resources and support to individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador, empowering them to lead healthier and happier lives.”
The Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Thanks to the transformative support of the Department of Health, the Canadian Mental Health Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CMHA-NL) is thrilled to spearhead an initiative providing vital mental health training for local not-for-profit organizations. Local not-for-profits stand on the front lines of our mental health crisis, frequently serving as the first point of contact for individuals in distress, including their own dedicated employees, highlighting the critical need for accessible, high-quality mental health training and support. This project marks another milestone in our ongoing and productive collaboration with Lifewise and the Richard’s Legacy Foundation. Together, we are opening doors to essential mental health resources, ensuring those in need receive the support and care they deserve.”
Dr. Chandra Kavanagh,
Chief Executive Officer, CMHA-NL
“Lifewise is honoured to continue partnering with CMHA-NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation to offer critical mental health training in Newfoundland and Labrador. As not-for-profits work with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians every day, it is essential their frontline staff are equipped to provide support in any situation. Working collaboratively, our three organizations are confident in the value this project will provide to the not-for-profit sector and the people they serve. We thank the Department of Health and Community Services for championing this initiative and finding creative solutions to the issues facing our province.”
Brad Glynn,
Executive Director, Lifewise
“Richard’s Legacy Foundation, in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association-NL, and Lifewise, continues to be honoured being entrusted with providing much-needed Mental Health First Aid and suicide intervention education to not-for-profit and charity organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador. It is our aim to create safer, healthier, happier communities and with the continuing support of the provincial government this project keeps moving us all forward in the pursuit of that goal.”
Tina Davies,
President, Richard’s Legacy Foundation
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