**** NSHA Media Release
NEWS RELEASE
NSHA launches new mental health and addictions website
The Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) of Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) has launched a new website where visitors can access information on common mental illness and harmful substance use conditions, and explore evidence-based tools and resources.
At the heart of the website, MHAhelpNS.ca, is a wizard tool that guides visitors on a personalized journey. By answering a few short questions about their interest in visiting the site, they will be able to access free resources and tools that can help them manage their wellbeing or navigate them to the next step in their recovery.
“We are pleased to offer MHAhelpNS.ca as an online destination that has much to offer to support people and their mental wellness and recovery,” said Sam Hodder, senior director, NSHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. “To get us this far, we listened to Nova Scotians. Individuals, community support groups, health care partners, staff, and clinicians gave us insight. We wanted to ensure visitors to the site had every opportunity to learn more about mental illness, wellness, and harmful substance use. We will continue to add new content over time.”
Should the visitor or someone they know need to access care, the website offers accurate, up-to-date information about services, contact information, locations, and other resources in their community. Some portions of the website are available in French and the program will continue to add to this.
“Having an online tool to access on your own time, and in your own way, will provide an important resource for Nova Scotians, especially for individuals living in rural areas,” said Susan Henderson, executive director, Canadian Mental Health Association – Colchester East Hants Branch. “This new website can provide the basics of recovery and allow individuals to take charge of their mental wellbeing in a non-intrusive, self-directed manner. I am excited to see the impact of this excellent resource in our community. Learning about changes you can make to your lifestyle and environment can be enough for some individuals to improve their mental health. ”
Funding was provided by the Government of Nova Scotia through ACCESS Atlantic. This is a collaboration between the four Atlantic Provinces and Canada Health Infoway, a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. The goal of ACCESS Atlantic is to improve access to digital health services and transform the way health care is delivered.
