Federal Liberals investing $1.5M to support mental health of Black communities
Posted February 24, 2023 6:43 pm.
Last Updated February 24, 2023 6:49 pm.
The federal Liberals announced on Friday that it is investing $1.5 million in mental health programs for Black communities.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Carolyn Bennett, said the funding will go to two projects that will help support mental health in Black communities — Black Mental Health Canada and a program in Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood.
“Black communities in Canada continue to face many systemic challenges and barriers to mental health care, and our government is committed to addressing them,” Bennett said.
“The projects announced today will create environments for improved mental health outcomes and will ensure that Black individuals and communities across Canada experiencing mental health challenges have access to the most appropriate, culturally relevant supports and services they need, by the most appropriate provider.”
In a release, the federal Liberals noted that the COVID-19 pandemic “has disproportionally impacted and exacerbated mental health challenges within these equity deserving communities.”
Black Mental Health Canada will receive $1.1 million of the funding, with Wanasah: Mental Health Services for Black Youth receiving $400,000 for its project to develop Black-centric, trauma-responsive community support services in Toronto’s Regent Park community.
“The road to recovery is complex for those who have experienced mental health challenges and trauma – especially for people who face social exclusion, marginalization, and stigma,” said Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
“This why our government is proud to support organizations like Black Mental Health Canada and Wanasah to build Black-centric and trauma-responsive services to better serve the mental health needs of these communities.”
