Work with healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure that urban Indigenous people are able to access services related to mental health, addictions, and recovery free of discrimination.

The Indigenous Health Action Circle has been in discussion about policy development for the new mental health facility in St. John’s and around antiracism training for healthcare providers. 

Barrier: Lack of long-term funding for mental health supports

The current availability of mental health supports and addictions programming in Newfoundland and Labrador is inadequate. Well funded programming is scarce and those who are struggling with mental health and addictions have few options available to them in the province, including in urban areas. This contributes to higher rates of homelessness, crime, and hospitalization. For Indigenous people, the risk is amplified as the lack of mental health and addictions support intersects with experiences of racism and intergenerational trauma. There is currently no Indigenous-specific mental health or addictions programming available in St. John’s through the public health system.

Many community-based organizations, such as Friendship Centres, have – out of necessity – taken initiative to provide programming to support the mental health of Indigenous people. These are typically run using resources obtained through federal health funding streams. While many such federally-funded programs see great success, the funding streams that support them are typically short-term rather than focused on sustaining program delivery over the longer term. A narrow focus on developing new and innovative programs therefore tends to overlook the importance of maintaining those that are already working. Without a more sustainable funding model to support these kinds of programs following their launch, many can be forced to shut down even after seeing initial short-term success.

Barrier: Indigenous Patient Navigator positions unable to support urban Indigenous patients

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services currently funds an Indigenous Health Navigator program through First Light. This program provides essential support for Indigenous patients in navigating the healthcare system in St. John’s. However, Indigenous people living in St. John’s cannot access this program. First Light lacks the funding necessary to expand the program to include all Indigenous people in the metro area.

For the Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) and the Government of Canada:

• Allocate funding in the upcoming budget cycle to support the continuation of existing mental health and addictions programming for Indigenous people.

For the Department of Health and Community Services (HCS):

• Allocate funding in the upcoming budget cycle to expand the scope of the Indigenous Patient Navigator program so that it includes urban Indigenous people.