**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Investment in Mi’kmaw Mental Health Supports
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New funding for the Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre will support mental health and addictions related services for Eskasoni First Nation and Mi’kmaw people across the province.
The government is providing a one-time investment of $350,000 to the centre, which provides 24-hour crisis intervention and referral services – in both Mi’kmaw and English – over the phone, online and in person to people living in Mi’kmaw communities.
“Providing better access to mental health services includes receiving culturally appropriate care in a language that is known and is familiar to those reaching out for help,” said Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. “The Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre is a great example of supports built for community by the community. We are happy to be able to support the tremendous work being led by the centre, which I believe will lead to better mental health outcomes for the people of Eskasoni and members of Mi’kmaw communities across the province.”
The funding will support services that:
— improve the well-being of community members
— reduce stigma around accessing mental health services
— reduce the incidence of suicide
— help support harm reduction practices
— connect individuals and families with mental health services.
Quotes:
“We are grateful for this funding announcement and this partnership with the Nova Scotia government. It will provide much needed funding to continue our mission to improve the well-being of community members, improve access to mental health services, help support those dealing with addiction, and provide immediate in the moment Mi’kmaw appropriate response to those in crisis 24 hours a day 365 days a year.”
– Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni First Nation
“I am passionate about helping those in need and providing an area where someone can be cared for and safe. This funding will help us to keep offering these services to our community.”
– Kyla Paige Francis, Team Lead, Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre
“Before taking on the position of support worker, I was a client of the centre. The tools that I got I still use today. When I fell to the lowest and felt like I lost trust in myself and others, staff at the centre were there to help. What made me want to be crisis worker was so that I can give back and help our community like it helped me.”
– Mary Kathrina Nicholas, support worker, Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre
Additional Resources:
Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre: https://ns.211.ca/services/eskasoni-mental-health-services/eskasoni-crisis-and-referral-center/
Province of Nova Scotia mental health and addictions programs and services: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/
Nova Scotia Health Authority mental health and addictions services: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en
IWK Health Centre mental health and addictions services: https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health
