Mental Health and Addictions Strategy

Mental health and addictions issues impact all age groups, all social economic levels, and all areas of the province. In March, 2010, the Nova Scotia Government announced that it would be preparing a Mental Health and Addictions Strategy to revamp mental health and addiction services in the province. The Strategy will address concerns raised in the May, 2010 Auditor General’s report. The Mental Health and Addictions Strategy will also identify ways to address access to limited services available for Nova Scotians impacted by mental illness and addiction, and will reinforce the Government’s commitment to this important issue. 

We were asked to support the development of the Strategy by the Minister Health and Wellness. In our role, we oversaw a neutral, comprehensive consultation process to ensure that the knowledge and input of stakeholders was included. Full details on the consultation process can be found here.

We are also acting as secretariat to the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Advisory Committee, which was appointed by the Minister. The Advisory Committee is developing recommendations for the Strategy, which will be presented to the Minister.

The Advisory Committee is continuing its work on the recommendations, which are well underway. In consultation with the Minister, the Advisory Committee has decided to take some additional time to continue their work on this strategy. This work includes formulating their recommendations into a report that includes the strengths and gaps in services, the experience of individuals with mental health and/or addictions issues, and research findings. It is expected that the Advisory Committee will deliver their report, including their recommendations, to the Minister by early 2012.

For inquires into the Strategy, please contact Alana Andrews (alana.andrews@gov.ns.ca).