The Provincial Government has announced that an All-Party Committee on Substance Use and Addictions will be created in response to the continued need for prevention, early intervention, treatment and support for those living with mental health, substance use and addiction issues, with an emphasis on youth and young adults. The committee will also closely look at the interrelationship between these issues and other social determinants of health, such as housing, poverty and education.
The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to discuss the creation of the All-Party Committee at Confederation Building, East Block Lobby, today at 1:00 p.m. Minister Osborne will be joined by Jeff Bourne, Executive Director at U-Turn Addiction Drop-In Centre and Gerard Yetman, Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Building on the work of Towards Recovery, released by the All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, and the ongoing implementation of recommendations arising from Health Accord NL, this All-Party Committee will review mental health, substance use and addiction services within the provincial mental health care system. The committee’s goal is to provide recommendations on improvements to existing programs and services, and the development and implementation of new ones where necessary, to better serve the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians into the future.
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“This committee will play an integral role in future programs and services we provide for mental health and substance use. Through consulting individuals and families with lived and living experience, community partners, and experts in child and youth services, education, health services, housing, and justice, we can provide the most appropriate and effective mental health care delivery and service integration throughout the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
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