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March 9, 2010
CAMPBELL RIVER – Adults with mental health or addictions issues in Campbell River are benefitting from the expansion of VIHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Services (MHAS) team to include an after-hours clinician.
“Providing community-based support for adults with mental health and addictions issues is a key priority for VIHA,” said Jac Kreut, Chair, VIHA Board of Directors. “We are confident that the addition of an after-hours clinician will make a significant difference in supporting individuals in Campbell River and area. Providing people with access to MHAS services when they need it will help make a positive difference in their lives.”
The after-hours clinician will focus on early intervention and support, providing individuals with counselling and follow up. The clinician will help people with mental health or addictions issues enhance their coping skills and provide them with connections within the community. This early intervention is aimed at helping individuals avoid crisis situations that often require more costly forms of treatment.
The addition of an after-hours clinician to the MHAS team in Campbell River also provides an opportunity to help those individuals who may not have readily accessed mental health and/or addiction services in the past.
“This position expands the hours of service delivery to the community, and improves the continuum of care by working in partnership with other government and non-government agencies working to improve the lives of those with mental health and/or addiction issues,” said John Fitzgerald, VIHA’s Manager, MHAS North Island.
Funding for the position is the result of $100,000 in budget reallocations from within VIHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. A part of this reallocated funding is also being used in Campbell River to support a Mental Health Peer Support program. This program provides an opportunity for people experienced with recovery from mental health issues to share their knowledge and provide friendly support to clients of mental health services.
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Contact:
Val Wilson, VIHA Communications, 250-739-6303 |
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