(Moncton) December 6, 2018 - The New Brunswick Coalition for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment held its first meeting today before a number of guests and dignitaries who had travelled to attend the event.

Albert Cyr, Chair of the Coalition's Interim Committee, explained that this organization is a promotional vehicle dedicated to encouraging networking among individuals and organizations concerned with mental health and addiction treatment. "One of the Coalition's main roles will be to advocate for the development of services and public policies designed to ensure the integrity of health, wellness, mental health and best practices in care and access, by representing the interests of its members at various round tables," he stated. "This approach has been made possible through the partnership between the regional health authorities, the Department of Health, and communities that was forged with the first efforts to establish the Coalition."

Jill LeBlanc-Farquharson, Director, Addictions and Mental Health, Horizon Health Network, stated that this meeting was necessary to raise awareness about mental illness and addictions in New Brunswick communities. "Today's meeting is an important opportunity for the Coalition to recruit members and organizations that will advocate for and listen to the concerns of the people here, in each of our communities," she said. "As you know, mental illness affects us all in one way or another, and we are happy to be here today to support this organization."

Vitalité Health Network also applauds this initiative. "It's important to support the work of the Coalition because it represents a transformation of the mental health system, which aligns with the Network's philosophy. Together, we can reduce stigma, bring about a paradigm shift and ensure better communication between the organizations involved in mental health and addiction treatment," said Rino Lang, Regional Director, Adult Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Michel Côté, President of the Société santé et Mieux-être en français du Nouveau-Brunswick, agrees. "We have been partners in this important project since the beginning in order to ensure optimal and equitable access to mental health services for the province's entire population, including New Brunswick's Acadian and Francophone population," he said.

The New Brunswick Coalition for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment grew out of the first Provincial Mental Health Forum in 2015, which brought together over 350 people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. During this forum, various participants voted in favour of creating a Coalition that would represent the needs and hopes of parents and caregivers. It was legally incorporated in April 2018. It includes representatives from Vitalité Health Network, Horizon Health Network, the Société Santé et Mieux-être en français du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Francophone, Anglophone and First Nations communities.

Information:

506-544-3678
Vitalité Health Network

1-877-499-1899
Horizon Health Network