We encourage all First Nations to ‘check in’ with your children and youth today
COAST
SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver BC)—First Nations Health Council Chair,
Grand Chief Doug Kelly and First Nations Health Authority CEO, Joe
Gallagher today issued the following joint statement in recognition of
Child and Youth Mental Health Day.
“We know that Aboriginal
youth between the ages of 10-19 are four times more likely to attempt
suicide compared to their non-Aboriginal peers and that rates of
hospitalization for mental wellness and substance abuse remain
significantly higher than the rest of the population.”
“We
continually emphasize that the FNHC and FNHA’s work is to change the
world in which we live—to create a better place for our children and
grandchildren. To achieve our vision statement, ‘Healthy,
Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families and
Communities every one of us needs to firstly take care of ourselves, and
secondly take care of the children in our lives.”
“We
must ensure our young people know they have a place, that they are well
provided for and that if they are troubled we provide them with love,
kindness and guidance. It’s a great day to get active with the kids and
youth in your life. Hug your children; take time to talk with them about
their mental health.”
“We have heard from all
five regions that mental health is a priority in our communities. FNHA’s
regional and provincial investment plan for 2014-2015 includes more
resources for Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention and
improving the organizations rapid and coordinated crisis response.”
“We
recognize the need to work with partners and are encouraged that
Ministry of Child and Family Development has been working directly with
First Nations through the recent Mental Wellness and Substance Use
Forums.”
In 2013, the FNHA released A Path
Forward: BC First Nations & Aboriginal People’s Mental Wellness and
Substance Use – 10 Year Plan, developed by BC First Nations and
Aboriginal Mental Wellness and Substance Use Strategy Council and two
planning committees. The plan provides a guide for planning and action
to support First Nations and Aboriginal people to achieve their unique
goals related to mental wellness and substance abuse across the
lifespan.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Davis McKenzie, Director of Communications, FNHA 604.693.6509
Connect with the First Nations Health Authority: www.fnha.ca
First Nations Health Council: www.fnhc.ca
Download this communiqué
here. (PDF 151KB)