Province Invests in Community Living Initiative

The province is investing $8.6 million in new community living units to help Nova Scotians, recovering from mental illness, make the transition from inpatient care to independent living.

This investment supports government's commitment to bring better health care to Nova Scotians.

"Government is making the right decisions to support people living with a mental illness," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. "I look forward to the development of a new mental health strategy which will help Nova Scotians in every region."

Four community focused living units, consisting of 10 bedrooms and associated living space, will be built on the Nova Scotia Hospital property. The residential-style units will better support clients, their families, and staff.

"The community focused units will create a wonderful living and care environment outside of the traditional hospital setting. This will support those individuals who need more rehabilitation and skills development to safely transition back to their community," said Barbara Hall, vice-president, Capital Health. "This project also represents an important step in renewing Capital Health's aging infrastructure and will benefit all Nova Scotians."

The cost of the project will be shared by the province, Capital District Health Authority and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Capital Health and the foundation will contribute about $1.7 million for a total of $10.3 million.

Construction of the units will begin this summer.

"The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is very proud to partner on this amazing initiative," said Mary Lou Crowley, president and CEO. "The Community Living Initiative is the first-ever of its kind and will truly enable independence for people living with a mental illness.

May 3-9 is Mental Health Week.