New P.E.I. mental health and addictions strategy promises improved services

P.E.I. has released a 10-year mental health and addiction strategy called Moving Forward Together,the result of 18 months of consultation toimprove the system.

The plan, created by P.E.I.'sChief Mental Health and Addictions Office,includes a focus on young peopleand their families, more collaboration between government and the community, recognizing mental health problems earlier, getting peopleproper supportand reducing wait times.

"We will continue to build on the progress we have already achieved with this strategy as our guide," Health and Wellness MinisterRobert Hendersonsaid in a written release Monday.

Public consultations revealed shortcomingsin the system including lack of collaboration among government departments, over-reliance on psychiatryand long wait times compounded bya shortage of mental healthprofessionals. The need for more affordable housing and supported housing was also identified.

Women's wellness programs and more

The report lists several ways the governmentplansto improve services in 2017, including women's wellness programs for new mothers and infants, improved mental health and addictions care by family doctors, expanding addictions treatment in the provincial jail to evenings and weekends andlooking for new ways to offer "culturally appropriate" programming to refugees.

The chief public health officer will also deliver P.E.I.'s first report on the well-being of children next year.

Government plans to present a 2016-2018action plan on mental health and addiction as well.

Priorities

The document lists five priorities:

• Mental health promotion for people of all ages.
• Access to the right service, treatment and support.
• An innovative and collaborative workforce.
• Invest early focus on children, young people and families.
• Foster recovery and well-being for people of all ages.

One of the anticipated results is to have more people living in safe, stable homes and fewer living in hospital.

That's music to the ears of CarlaWood-Whittyexecutive director of The P.E.I. Reach Centre, a day program for youth in recovery from addiction and mental health issues.

"There's not enough low-cost housing suitable for recovering youth when they are transitioning to go out on their own," saidWood-Whitty. "Ideally I would like to see a 12-unit apartment building."

Moving Forward Together, Prince Edward Island's Mental Health and Addictions Strategy 2016-2026can be found online.

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