In the fall of 2016, the residents of the Burin Peninsula found themselves in a crisis: 14 people had died by suicide in 16 months…four in the town of Grand Bank alone. Mental health was identified as a priority when it came to primary health care needs.
Communities around the coast were in pain. People who needed help faced long waitlists for mental health and addictions services.
Health-care providers felt overwhelmed and helpless. Everyone agreed that change was needed – urgently.
Three years later, the change is dramatic. Access to care is immediate. Waitlists have disappeared. Prevention is the priority. Residents are optimistic. Health-care providers feel reinvigorated.
A sea change.
Watch here how it happened.
To learn more, please visit www.easternhealth.ca/MHA
