The Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services are establishing a mental health wildfire recovery team that will help residents impacted by the wildfire in Conception Bay North.

The dedicated team will consist of mental health nurses, social workers, and Doorways staff servicing travel clinics, schools, and mobile sites in the region. It will provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, and holistic care to individuals, families and the broader community.  Two trained peer support workers from the U-Turn Drop-in Centre in Carbonear will also provide on-site services to first responders in Conception Bay North over the next six months.

Mental health supports that have been provided to first responders and people displaced by the wildfire at Carbonear Academy will now be available at:

• The Harbour Grace Splash Centre for people who remain evacuated from the areas of Western Bay, Ochre Pit Cove and southern portion of Northern Bay.
• Salem Centre in Small Point for people who will return to Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove and Kingston.

More than $800,000 has been allocated by the Provincial Government for the initiative. The Department of Health and Community Services will review the service in 2026 to ensure services are in place to help meet the mental health needs of residents.

The services are in addition to other assistance established for residents impacted by the wildfire, including temporary housing assistance and supports for small- to medium-sized businesses and employees.

Quotes
“These have been incredibly difficult times for everyone impacted by the wildfire and we know the short- and long-term mental health consequences that traumatic experiences like this can cause. This team reinforces our commitment to support individuals and residents as they rebuild their communities and ensures the resources are in place to provide mental health services. We encourage everyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to contact the appropriate resources.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The people of Conception Bay North are facing a time of intense stress and uncertainty. The need for increased mental health supports in the region is something that was identified in the initial meetings of our Cabinet Committee, as we recognize that mental health supports are a crucial aspect of recovery. I thank the teams with NLHS and the Department of Health and Community Services for their swift work in forming this team, and I thank the members of the team for the important work they will do over the coming months.”
Honourable Jamie Korab
Chair, Cabinet Committee on Conception Bay North Response and Recovery
Minister of Seniors and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“While the strength and resilience of our communities have been evident over the past few weeks, these health care supports will help ease the burden for anyone who needs assistance as communities move forward with the recovery process. I thank all health care professionals who have been supporting residents throughout the wildfire period. I know they will continue to provide exceptional care to all residents in the Conception Bay North region. I encourage all residents, particularly those on the North Shore, to take advantage of these supports and services.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Industry, Energy, and Trade
MHA for Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde

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