January 17, 2012
More Support for Prince George Mental Health and Substance Use Group
PRINCE GEORGE – The Community Action Initiative (CAI), a province-wide program that supports mental health and substance use projects and innovation in B.C., is awarding $179,695 to support Whitecrow Village FASD Society. The society will distribute the funds between four locations, one in Prince George.
Project details:
Whitecrow Village FASD Society
This project intends to facilitate the sharing of experiences and strategies of adolescents struggling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder through acted presentation produced as part of the Whitecrow Village Life Skill video series. Four diverse communities will be a part of this initiative: Victoria, Prince George, Campbell River and Atlin.
Why this matters:
The CAI funds strategies that promote mental health; prevent harmful use of substances and improve services and supports that enhance the recovery process for children, youth, adults and families affected by mental health problems and/or problematic substance use.
- The initiative brings together pre-existing local groups that work to improve the mental health and well-being of people in their communities.
- CAI is helping to change the way communities and government address mental health and substance use issues, by facilitating new partnerships that are creating innovative and culturally sensitive community based solutions.
Quotes:
“There are always challenges when it comes to dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues and I’m encouraged by the support that is shown within our community to help individuals improve their circumstances and get healthy.”
-Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell
“Programs like this that support individuals, their families, and our communities are absolutely critical. I’m very happy to know that Prince George will be one of four communities that will be included in this special program that provides funding to help young people who are grappling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder."
-Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond
“Each of us has a role in supporting children, youth, adults and families facing mental health and substance use challenges. That’s why government invested $10-million to create the Community Action Initiative – to support collaborative, community-based activities to improve the mental health and well-being of all British Columbians.”
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development
"Our long term goal is to create local communities that are engaged in advancing innovative policy and practice around mental health and substance use. It's not just about funding services. We want to change the way communities and government address mental health."
Barb Keith, Co-Chair of the CAI Leadership Council
Quick Facts:
- The CAI is a key component of the Province’s comprehensive 10 year plan to address mental health and substance use across the lifespan in B.C. -- Healthy Minds, Healthy People, which seeks to promote good mental health and prevent potential mental health and substance use problems for all children and youth, and facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention for children and youth vulnerable to or struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.
- The Community Action Initiative (CAI) was established through a $10-million grant from the Province of British Columbia, announced in June 2008.
- This the second round of service innovation grants. The first seven grants were made in 2010. A total of $3.75 million has been invested in projects to date.
Learn More:
Community Action Initiative: http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/
Grant recipients:
http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/funding-opportunities/successful-applicants/
For information on Child and Youth Mental Health programs and services in B.C., go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/
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