SOUND OFF: Interior Health marking Mental Health Awareness Week

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While the pandemic initially impacted our ability to offer in-person counselling and other services, we quickly pivoted to provide counselling virtually, with great feedback from participants and clinicians.

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We are also making it easier to access services by launching the 310-MHSU phone number, which works across Interior Health and puts callers directly in touch with their local Mental Health and Substance Use centre.

We know that involving family members can make a big difference in supporting the well-being. Guided by people with first-hand experience, we developed a new family involvement approach for clinicians based on respect, sharing information, and working together so that people can include their loved ones in their journey and access to care.

From prevention programs to intensive treatment and support, we are committed to strengthening care at all levels of the continuum.

That’s why we continue to enhance mental health and substance use services throughout the Interior region. Integrated treatment teams are working to create multidisciplinary outreach for people who need flexible support that works for them; new treatment beds are coming this spring to serve youth experiencing substance use issues; and access to Opioid Agonist Treatment is expanding, with the first cohort of Interior Health’s nurse prescribers for Suboxone having just completed training.

For many people, stigma related to mental illness continues to be a significant barrier to accessing help. This is why it is important to support efforts such as Mental Health Awareness Week’s #GetReal campaign, which encourages people to talk about how they feel, and to show support for each other through difficult times.

They say there is no health without mental health and I believe this is true. We need to end the stigma, and continue to improve access.

For more details regarding Mental Health & Substance Use services within Interior Health, visit www.interiorhealth.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.