Canadian Mental Health Association renews push for Labrador office

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is making another pitch to the federal government to secure funding for an office in Labrador, in the wake of five suicides in the past eight months.

"We would establish a regional office, much like we have in Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville," said Dan Goodyear, CEO of the association's N.L. chapter.

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Goodyear says the organization needs $200,000 a year to operate a Labrador office and has been trying to get that cash.

"We are submitting [the request] again to yet another federal minister either later this week or early next week."

Four of the five people health officials say have killed themselves in Labrador West in the last eight months are said to have worked for the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), according to a union official.

Health Minister John Haggie and IOC said more mental health resources were being made available.

'We can make a difference'

Goodyear said the CMHA, which also has a St. John's office, has access to evidence-based programs for early childhood educators and seniors.

He said having trained staff on the ground would also go a long way in addressing mental health in the workplace.

"There are times when conversations and telephone calls can help … but in the long run, we need a presence," said Goodyear.

"We need to build and train people within other organizations on some of our programs."