HEALTHLINE EXPANDS CRISIS SERVICES

Saskatchewan's confidential health advice telephone line, HealthLine, now has mental health specialists available on a 24-hour basis as an enhancement to its crisis response services.

HealthLine has provided crisis response for addictions since the spring of 2005. In terms of mental health concerns, however, the response has generally been limited to information about available services. Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said it is a logical next step to expand capcity to offer mental health crisis support and go beyond just providing information.

"Saskatchewan is the first jurisdiction in Canada to include a dedicated mental health and addictions crisis component in its health advice line service," Addley said. "Our goal is to provide another simple way for people in crisis to quickly access the help they need, and we believe using HealthLine is an ideal way to do that."

HealthLine nurses, after assessing callers, will now be able to transfer them to dedicated social workers or registered psychiatric nurses, who are specially trained to handle crisis calls and provide referrals.

"This service is for all Saskatchewan residents, and is not intended to replace existing services, but supplement those currently within each regional health authority," HealthLine Director John Masters said. "Now, when people in urban or rural areas need help coping with mental health or addictions concerns, HealthLine's professional registered psychiatric nurses and social workers are available 24-hours a day."

The 2004 First Ministers' Meeting Agreement called for enhanced community mental health crisis response, as part of a strategic long term plan for improved home care services. Saskatchewan selected HealthLine as its best option to meet this commitment.

Saskatchewan residents can access help by calling 1-877-800-0002 or by visiting HealthLine's website at www.healthlineonline.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083