NationTalk: The Department of Health and Community Services has released its final Towards Recovery Evaluation Report, providing details about the work undertaken to transform the provincial mental health and addictions system to one that is person centered, trauma informed and recovery focused.
A broad collaboration of over 250 stakeholders from across the province Towards Recovery is the culmination of significant input and expertise of individuals and families with lived and living experience of mental illness and addiction, community partners, government departments and agencies, Indigenous governments and communities and regional health authorities.
The evaluation report outlines changes that have taken place since release of the Towards Recovery Action Planin June 2017, and includes actions to promote positive health and well-being and prevent mental illness; decrease wait times and improve access to services; address stigma and discrimination; and support people in need of help when and where needed most.
To build upon the successes of Towards Recovery and guide the future direction of the provincial mental health and addictions system, the Provincial Government is committed to achieving the actions outlined in both the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador and Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador over the next four years.
Quotes
“This report not only reflects our government’s commitment to improving mental health and addictions services for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but also the tremendous efforts and expertise of individuals, families, communities and Indigenous partners and health care professionals throughout our province. Your input was invaluable, and we could not have completed this important work without you.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“On behalf of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Mental Health and Addictions, we are pleased to see the launch of the Towards Recovery report, and the ongoing commitment to addressing the mental health and addictions needs of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Although a great deal of work remains, it has been a significant journey to this point to implement the actions arising out of the work of the all-party committee. At Choices for Youth, we look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Health and Community Services and other provincial partners to meet the needs of youth through collaborative, integrated province-wide mental health services.”
Sheldon Pollett
Provincial Advisory Council Chair
“After listening to the voices of people using and working within the system, Towards Recovery created a framework for improvement in the Mental Health and Addictions system in our province. Since 2017, much has been done, including the construction of a new Mental Health and Addictions Facility and increased attention to mental health literacy for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We know that continued efforts are necessary and hope this report points the way forward, towards a system that truly allows recovery for all in need.”
Brad Glynn
Executive Director, Lifewise
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Learn more
Towards Recovery Evaluation Report
Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador
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