MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government resumed normal operations today in Moncton. Specialized services have been set up for anyone dealing with issues related to the tragic events of the past two days.

Schools

Schools in the Moncton area remain closed today, however, they will provide grief and trauma counseling to all students by mental health professionals such as guidance counsellors and social workers once classes resume on Monday, June 9. The service will be available for as long as necessary.

Counselling will also be provided to all staff affected by the situation.

Hospitals

The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre has restored normal operations within all of its units as well as public health and mental health services at the 81 Albert St. facility.

The Moncton Hospital will begin to establish services in a phased approach that ensures appropriate staffing levels in all clinic and service areas. The following services will be available today:

●    urgent and emergent care;
●    community mental health and addiction services; and
●    extra mural programs.

All clinic and elective surgery patients, whose appointments were cancelled, will be contacted to have their appointments rescheduled. If they have not been contacted by mid-week, they should call to inquire.

Government Offices

Provincial government offices - including Service NB - in Moncton resumed operation at 10 a.m. this morning.

Support Centre

A support centre has been set up at the Evergreen School, located at 333 Evergreen Dr. The centre opened at noon today and will be in operation until 10 p.m. It will also be in operation throughout the weekend, June 7-8.

Staff from Vitalité, Horizon, Red Cross and the Salvation Army will be on hand offering general support and counselling services.

24-hour emergency contact numbers

If you or your loved ones would benefit from talking with someone, there are three telephone numbers set up to provide help:

●    CHIMO Helpline 1-800-667-5005. CHIMO is a provincial crisis phone line that is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all residents of New Brunswick.

●    Tele-Care 811. Tele-Care is a free, confidential, health advice and information line. Dial 811 for access to bilingual, registered nurses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

●    Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. Canada's only toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, referral and internet service for children and youth. Professional counsellors provide immediate, caring support to young people in urban and rural communities across the country.


06-06-14