Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day 2024

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“This week, from October 6 to 12, we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care for all.

“This national campaign, coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, focuses on this year’s theme: Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change. It emphasizes the need to ensure that mental health resources are accessible to every Canadian, no matter their background, location or circumstances.

“As we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, we also mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024. This year’s global theme, Mental Health at Work, highlights the importance of safe, healthy working environments in supporting mental wellbeing. We are committed to promoting positive mental health in Yukon workplaces by working with employers and organizations to create environments where people can thrive.

“In the Yukon, we continue to expand services that provide direct support to individuals living with mental illness. Through Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services, Yukoners have access to rapid counselling, harm reduction support and a variety of treatment and community-based services. Additionally, we partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association Yukon Division who play a pivotal role in supporting Yukoners with mental illness by offering drop-in counselling, peer support and mental health education. Their ongoing advocacy and efforts are critical to ensuring that individuals have access to compassionate, non-judgmental support.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the health care providers, advocates and community organizations whose dedication and hard work are essential to creating a community where mental illness is met with understanding and where mental health care is readily accessible. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive territory where no one faces mental illness alone.

“As we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, I encourage all Yukoners to play their part, deepen their understanding of mental illness and help create a more supportive environment for those living with mental health conditions. Whether by having open conversations, promoting mental health at work or offering support to a loved one, every action contributes to building a healthier and more compassionate community.

“If you or someone you know is living with mental illness and in need of support, please reach out to the following resources.

• Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services: Providing rapid access counselling, opioid treatment and harm reduction support at 1-866-456-3838 or 867-456-3838.
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Yukon Division: Offering drop-in counselling and peer support at 867-668-6429.
• Kids Help Phone: Available 24/7 for youth at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Available 24/7 at 988 (call or text) for immediate crisis support.
• Hope for Wellness: Offering culturally sensitive support to Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310.
• TAO Tel-Aide: A French-language support line available 24/7 at 1-800-567-9699 for French-speaking Yukoners seeking free and confidential mental health assistance.

“Together, let’s use this week to challenge stigma, advocate for better mental health at work and ensure that every Yukoner living with mental illness has access to the support and care they need.”