By Bryan Eneas

Mental health services for Stanley Mission and LLRIB still in place

Feb 17, 2017 | 1:30 PM

After the northern youth crisis which gripped North Saskatchewan in October, mental health services are still in place for the affected communities.

“Health Canada is deeply concerned about the situation in Stanley Mission and Lac La Ronge as well as First Nations across Saskatchewan as well as the nation,” Alexander Campbell, the regional executive for Saskatchewan, said.

Five mental health support workers are on rotational shifts in the community of Stanley Mission. The services are available 24/7 according to Campbell. Crisis support teams have been committed to the community until March 31, 2017.

“That’s the next critical timeframe,” Campbell said. “We will be reviewing with Lac La Ronge and Stanley Mission what comes next after March 31. We’re having meetings towards the end of this month so that we can have a more planned approach.”

Campbell said the discussions will take a look at the approach for the next three to six months.

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Campbell said currently the situation is being handled in a reactionary way. He said discussions are taking place with partners such as the Prince Albert Grand Council and the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation as well as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) to “start talking about preventative programming” which could be implemented to help with the crisis situation.

“We continue to provide that service and we’re not going to be turning away anybody when they’re requesting support from Health Canada in their mental wellness programming,” Campbell said.

“The LLRIB continues to work in coordination with its communities and partners in support of youth. Services are available in all of our communities,” a statement issued to paNOW from LLRIB staff reads.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, you can contact the 24-hour Prince Albert Mobile Crisis unit at (306) 764-1011 or the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.  Services are offered in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktuk by request 24/7

Warning Signs of Suicide:
•     Suicidal threats
•     Statements revealing a desire to die
•     Previous suicide attempts
•     Sudden changes in behaviour (withdrawal, apathy, moodiness)
•     Depression (crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness)
•     Final arrangements (such as giving away personal possessions)

Communities in need of mental health crisis counselling services can call 1-866-885-3933 ext. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas