N.W.T. considers sending mental health teams to Nunakput

Weeks after Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson requested thegovernment send grief counsellors tohis electoral district, Health Minister Julie Greensays she will look into sending amental health team to thedistrict's four communities.

In early February, Green urged anyoneseeking mental health services to use same-day counselling services available through the health department but stopped short of committing to send in new resources.

On Thursday, she said she will investigate ifshe can deploy mental health teams that typically travel to communities without resident counsellors.

While a child and youth counsellor position is filled at the Mangilaluk School in Tuktoykatuk, there are vacancies in community counselling, said Green.

Jacobson saidmental health issues are coming up in Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk.

A lot of people are hurting from depression anddeaths that have occurredover the last year,Jacobson added.

"We have to start trying to help them, heal them and try to move forward. When are we gonna get these travel teams into Nunakput?" he said.

"We need a team to come in to work with the community on the depression, alcoholism, everything ... anything they want to talk about to get off their chest. We need help."

The Kids Help Line is available to youth by text or call, Facebook and online chat, said Green.

If you are under 25 years old and you need someone to talk to, you can call the Kid's Help Phone 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868. Texting and online chat options are also available 24/7.To text with a counsellor, textCONNECT to 686868. To live chat, visit https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/ and click the "chat" button OR download the Always There app.