The Government of Yukon is honouring Mental Health Week with the official launch of the new Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSU) Branch today.
MWSU streamlines services previously provided by Alcohol and Drug Services, Child and Adolescent Therapeutic Services and Mental Health. Integrating three previously separate programs has resulted in a single intake process, more comprehensive treatment plans for Yukoners and decreased wait times.
This announcement also coincides with the second anniversary of the Yukon Mental Wellness Strategy, which to date has funded 26 unique, community-based, mental wellness projects.
Integrating these programs allows us to provide more equitable and seamless mental health, trauma and substance use services. Opening our four community hubs means that residents outside of Whitehorse have access to the same streamlined services. These are concrete steps towards our goal of serving Yukoners, when and where they need it.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
In the past six weeks, four Mental Wellness and Substance Use hubs have been opened in rural Yukon communities. These hubs provide the same streamlined services to community residents.
Victims of sexualized assault receive priority access to coordinated services through Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.
In the next two years of the Mental Wellness Strategy, funding is set aside to support ongoing land-based programming for mental wellness initiatives.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Clarissa Wall
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-3010
clarissa.wall@gov.yk.ca