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VICTORIA – A $6 million grant to the Canadian Mental Health Association will integrate strategies to address physical conditions that are accompanied by mental health conditions – making British Columbia the first jurisdiction in the world to take this approach to improve the well-being of patients – announced Health Minister George Abbott today during National Mental Health Week.
“Research shows chronic health conditions and mental
health problems are often linked,” said Abbott. “For instance, someone who is suffering from
congestive heart problems may also be battling depression or anxiety.
Traditionally, the two have been treated independently. With this investment,
we are recognizing primary health and mental health needed to come together and
create innovative solutions that will benefit patients.”
Approximately one in three British Columbians suffer from chronic
conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and congestive heart failure. These
chronic conditions result in increased hospitalizations and account for a high
utilization of healthcare services.
“We are
very pleased to be working with the Ministry of Health on this important
initiative,” said Bev Gutray, executive director of CMHA's B.C. Division. “This
project is a real opportunity to build on what we know works to support people
with chronic physical conditions better manage their depression and anxiety. We
are looking forward to working with the ministry, the primary health care
sector, health authorities and the community sector to ensure this project has
real and measurable impacts on people’s lives, both in terms of their physical
and mental health."
Strategies to improve the mental health of patients with chronic
physical illnesses strengthen self-care activities that result in better health
outcomes and less need for hospital and emergency services. Innovative strategies may include
community-based education and counselling, self-help tools, web-based
resources, or telephone support. The specific nature of projects supported by
the grant to the CMHA will be determined through the input and advice of
several partners and stakeholders.
National Mental Health Week is May 7 to 13 and raises awareness for Canadians living with mental health and addiction challenges. Each year, government spends more than $1 billion to support mental health and addiction services across British Columbia – a 28 per cent increase in funding since 2001.
Investing in mental health and addictions is part of government’s
Pacific Leadership Agenda to improve the health of citizens and to renew the public
health system.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Health 250 920-8500 250 952-1887 (media line) |
Communications Director Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division 604 688-3234 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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