Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre among recipients of funding for mental health and addictions support

Share:

Mi'kmaw communities and organizations across Nova Scotia will be able to provide more mental health and addictions support with new government funding announced today, Dec. 23.

A total of $750,000 will be made available as equal grants to each of the 13 Mi'kmaw communities across the province, the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly challenging and has had a significant impact on the mental health of Nova Scotians," said Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness. "We are committed to working with all First Nations in Nova Scotia to help them improve mental health and addiction outcomes in their communities."

In addition, a one-time funding initiative of $50,000 will go towards the Enhanced Home Visiting Program delivered by Nova Scotia Health Authority Public Health. Wagmatcook First Nation will host and plan community home visitor training that will be accessible for all First Nation communities.

Quotes:

"We take the health and well-being of our people very seriously and having these funds to enhance services that our community members need is very welcomed news. We know that our communities, Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association and the Friendship Centre will make the best use of these dollars to help those who are struggling."

     - Chief Andrea Paul, health lead for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs

Quick Facts:

-- one-time $50,000 grants (each) to the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre

-- one-time $50,000 grants for each Mi'kmaw First Nation in Nova Scotia to support mental health and addiction initiatives

-- government's investment in mental health and addictions has increased to $314.5 million this year up from $261 million in 2013-14

-- funding comes from the Gambling Awareness Foundation of Nova Scotia

-- Gambling Awareness Foundation of Nova Scotia was established in 1998 to receive and distribute funds (a percentage of VLT revenues) to reduce the harmful effects of gambling. In 2020, its mandate was broadened to address other co-occurring mental health and addictions issues