News Release

SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $6.4 million to expand the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams throughout New Brunswick.

“Mental health is critical to the productivity of our economy and well-being of our communities, and this is why it is a focus of your government’s Family Plan,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “With this investment to expand Flexible Assertive Community Treatment teams throughout the province, those who struggle with significant mental health illness will have better access to care and support individualized to their needs through these teams.”

The multidisciplinary teams support individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who are dealing with significant mental health issues. This model recognizes resiliency and approach recovery as a process with ups and downs. The teams are able to adapt the intensity of support based upon individual needs.

The annual operating costs for the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment teams is anticipated to be $6.4 million.

“We are pleased that more funds will be allocated to expand our FACT team to improve care for those suffering with mental illness,” said Karen McGrath, president and CEO of Horizon Health Network. “These funds will continue to help individuals receive the support they need in the community by increasing their independence, fostering their recovery and supporting their personal goals.”

The teams offer:

• Flexibly intensive individualized support.
• A strength and resiliency based comprehensive assessment with collaborative, goal focussed recovery planning, facilitation and service co-ordination.
• Help with independence, self-management and quality of life through empowerment, co-ordination of services and support.
• Support for people realizing their personal recovery goals, stabilizing their life and improving their quality of life.
• Support that is responsive to a person’s multiple and changing needs over time and incorporates families and informal supports where needed.

The Action Plan for Mental Health focuses on mental-health promotion, change in service delivery of all sectors, early identification of mental illness and effective intervention, and a shift in the adoption of an individualized, patient-centred and recovery-based approach to services.

Supporting people with mental health challenges is also one of the seven priority areas of the New Brunswick Family Plan. The framework aims to improve the lives of all residents by addressing the factors that have the greatest impact upon health and well-being. It focuses government action in seven priority areas: improving access to primary and acute care; promoting wellness; supporting people with addictions and mental health challenges; fostering healthy aging and support for seniors; advancing women’s equality; reducing poverty; and supporting people with disabilities.