(Photo 118616947 © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Funding Needed

How mental health groups are keeping up with demand

Jan 25, 2023 | 1:00 PM

More people are accessing mental health support; however, funding is having a tough time keeping up.

That’s according to Doug Kinar, the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Prince Albert branch, who explains organizations are struggling to keep up with demand.

In 2022, his branch was seeing between 75 and 80 people regularly each month, while some programs like their affordable meals program were helping as many as 30 people a day. The CMHA mainly supports those referred to them or that have already been diagnosed with an illness.

Kinar told paNOW they’ve been trying to become more self-sufficient over the years to help them keep up with demand.

“We own four apartment blocks, and that revenue makes up around 39 per cent of our annual income.”

Murder mystery

St. Mary drama club unravels world's ultimate whodunit

13h ago

BDO Debt Solutions

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Bank: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Holiday

Nov 18, 2024

RPCN Artist

'Felt like a movie': Chris Chipak making waves in the art world

Nov 18, 2024

The only other CMHA branch that he knows is doing something similar is North Battleford’s.

Along with owning different apartment buildings, P.A.’s CMHA holds various mental health and first aid workshops to help bring in more money.

These initiatives also highlight a major issue for the sector. Instead of focusing all of their time on supporting those who need help, a chunk of their time is spent on finding ways to get funding to keep programs running.

Kinar added community support continues to be the main reason why many organizations can keep afloat.

“The public is starting to see more and more of what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and appreciation is being shown,” he said. “This last couple of years, we’ve received generous donations of shares people have from different accounts.”

Moving forward, Kinar believes the biggest hurdle the sector needs to overcome is navigation.

Despite funding challenges, he explained there are services available for those who need help, however, many have a tough time finding them. In CMHA’s case, they receive a lot of calls from people seeking help for the first time, however, their programs mainly support those already diagnosed.

“If we’re hungry, it doesn’t help to be in a place that provides clothing or shelter, said Kinar. “Everybody who calls, we try and help them navigate the system.”

The best way the public can help the sector fix these issues is by donating. People can donate to the CMHA through their website.

For Let’s Talk Day, Bell is donating $10 million to continue supporting organizations that provide mental health support across the country.

­__

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow