Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) communities will receive federal funding that will provide community members with 24/7 access to mental health and substance use services.
Indigenous Services Canada announced July 10 it has earmarked $2,657,560 to support NAN’s Mental Health and Addictions Pandemic Response Program.
The community-driven initiative will be run by two health providers: Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) eHealth and Six Lookout First Nations Authority.
KO eHealth will receive $1,666,185 to run the program, while Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority will receive $991,375.
Services will be delivered by the regional health authorities, tribal councils and community organizations across the NAN region. According to the news release, the program will improve and simplify access to a variety of existing mental health and addiction services.
“Our First Nations are taking extraordinary measures to keep safe, and many community members are experiencing heightened feelings of isolation and uncertainty, which has understandably resulted in increased levels of anxiety and depression,” NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said in a news release.
“Without proper supports, people in these circumstances often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and we need to ensure they receive the support they require. This innovative program sets out pathways to access mental health and addiction services and incorporates 24/7 rapid-access emergency and crisis support for members on and off reserve.”
According to NAN's COVID-19 July 16 bulletin, mental health supports are expected to become available in the second week of August.
