Media Release: Mental Health Coalition of NS Organizing Committee on Bill 11

News Release – Mental Health Coalition of NS Organizing Committee on Bill 11

December 8, 2014 (Halifax) – The Mental Health Coalition of Nova Scotia Organizing Committee is

offering its support for Bill 11, the Private Member’s Bill introduced by Dave Wilson in the Nova Scotia

House of Assembly on October 1st, 2014. If enacted, Bill 11 would ensure coverage for PTSD for

emergency responders covered under worker’s compensation.

According to Co-Chair, Donna Methot, “We believe that people living with and affected by mental illness

in Nova Scotia should have access to timely and effective resources and relevant healthcare choices to

achieve optimal mental health. Bill 11 addresses an unmet need for emergency first responders, living

with PTSD, in this province”.

“We encourage all MLA’s to give serious consideration to approving Bill 11. It is the hope of the Mental

Health Coalition Organizing Committee of Nova Scotia that there will be increased awareness of the

need to invest in mental health services. Bill 11 will reduce the lengthy process involved in accessing

services and receiving compensation. Emergency First Responders, living with PTSD, need support for

recovery; not stress and financial hardship.”

The Mental Health Coalition of Nova Scotia, a non-partisan group of concerned individuals and

organizations, raises the priority of mental health issues on the government agenda and addresses the

chronic under funding of services.

Mental Health Care is a non-partisan issue. Methot concluded: “We would welcome similar initiatives

from the other two parties”.

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Contact information:

mhcns@ns.aliantzinc.ca; www.mentalhealthcoalitionns.info

Toll-free:1-888-963-3434; Halifax area: 424-0143

Mailing address: MHCNS, c/o The Empowerment Connection, Wyse Road Professional Centre

260 Wyse Road, Suite 316, Dartmouth, NS B3A 1N3