OTTAWA,
ON, May 9, 2024 /CNW/ - Distress and crisis
centres are an integral part of Canada's public health approach to suicide
prevention. They provide immediate support and resources when
people need them the most.
Today, as part of Mental Health Week, the Honourable Ya'ara
Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate
Minister of Health, announced over $4.5
million for 26 organizations who provide distress line
services to help them build capacity to meet the diverse needs of
Canadians. These organizations represent the newest round of
recipients under the $8 million
Distress Line Equity Fund, which seeks to address gaps in equity,
diversity and inclusion within Canada's distress line sector.
This initiative to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion in
our distress line sector is an important complement to the 9-8-8:
Suicide Crisis Helpline. Anyone in Canada can call or text 9-8-8 to access
24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate
suicide prevention and emotional distress support.
In addition, to further improve access to mental health supports
for equity-deserving individuals, Budget 2024 proposes an
additional $4 million over two years,
starting in 2024-25, to support community-led initiatives through
the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. This fund aims to
increase health equity and address mental health and its
determinants for Black Canadians.
It is essential that everyone in Canada has access to mental health resources
when they need them the most, regardless of their culture, social
or economic status.
Quote
"When people have access to the supports they need, when they
need it most, we can save lives. The funding announced today is
part of our effort to ensure that mental health supports and
resources are developed and delivered in an equitable and inclusive
manner. Every person in Canada
deserves mental health support that respects their culture,
background and experiences. We want people to know, if they need
help, that they are not alone and help is available."
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of
Health
Quick Facts
- This follows a previous announcement by the Minister on
March 1, 2024 when 19 early
recipients were announced.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada provided funding to organizations
providing crisis and distress line services based on defined
eligibility criteria. The maximum funding available per project was
$250,000 for a maximum duration of
twelve months.
- Information about the first 19 organizations to receive funding
can be found here.
- Information pertaining to the objectives of the Distress Line
Equity Fund can be found here.
Associated Links
- Backgrounder
- Early recipients of the DLEF (previously announced)
- 9-8-8
- Kids Help Phone
- Hope for Wellness
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada