Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced on Monday, July 19, 2021, that her department has begun the development of a five-year action plan to support a strong, co-ordinated system for prevention, treatment and recovery.

Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery was created as a department in January of this year in an effort to focus on mental health and wellness of Manitobans. More than 600 full-time positions and a $332 million budget was pulled from different areas of government to create the ministry. Much of the department’s work focuses on providing addiction supports and treatments.

Several reports have been commissioned in the last several years, and many of these recommendations have been implemented. We are building on this work to create a five-year action plan for mental health, wellness and recovery to inform priority areas and make it easier for Manitobans to find and access the right care at the right time and in the right place,” said Gordon.

The action plan has five key areas based on the VIRGO and other reports that include:

“While many reports have been used to develop our preliminary action plan, it is not set in stone. It is essential for partners, stakeholders and the public to contribute to finalizing this plan,” said Gordon. “These consultations are invaluable in shaping the direction and focus of the department, and we want to hear the thoughts of key stakeholders and the public as we move forward to help ensure services and programs are meeting the needs of Manitobans.”

The province has issued a request for proposals for a consultant that will help lead internal and external stakeholder consultations over the summer. Manitobans will be able to have input into the pan this fall when a public engagement campaign begins.

Minister Gordon stated that the five-year action plan will be released to the public before the end of the year.

© News4.ca 2021