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Halifax public forum about mental health strategies: Where are we now and where are we headed?

“It is one thing to have the new strategies released in May of this year; it is another for them to be fully implemented and making a difference in people’s lives.” - Joan Jessome, Coalition Co-Chairperson.

Halifax (29 Oct. 2012) – The Mental Health Coalition of Nova Scotia is holding a Public Forum on Monday, October 29 about the status of both the new national and Nova Scotia mental health and addictions strategies. The theme of this Forum will be “Mental Health Strategies: Moving Ahead Together” and will be held from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Bingo Hall of the Halifax Forum on Almon Street in Halifax.

According to coalition co-chairperson Joan Jessome, “It is one thing to have the new strategies released in May of this year; it is another for them to be fully implemented and making a difference in people’s lives.”

“It is vital for us to ensure that the broader community including persons with lived experiences, family members, health professionals and community agencies all have an ongoing voice and role in the implementation of these strategies, “ says Coalition Co-Chairperson Susan Kilbride-Roper.

The Forum will begin with presentations by Steve Lurie from the Mental Health Commission of Canada on the National Strategy “Changing Directions, Changing Lives” and Patricia Murray from the Nova Scotia Department of Health Wellness on the Nova Scotia Strategy “Together We Can”. It will also feature a panel discussion involving Vince Daigle (First Voice), Cecilia MacRae (Family), Roy Muise (Community/Mental Health Coalition) and Dr. Ian Slayter (Mental Health Professional).

Admission is free and no registration required. Interpreter services, refreshments and transportation assistance will be provided.

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