Focus Area 3: Improving Mental Health Services for Substance Use and Suicide Prevention
21% of Survey Responses
The Key Takeaway:
Opioid deaths in Saskatchewan are at a historic high and collective action should be taken to develop short-term and long-term strategies to address the root causes of substance use disorder.
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Addressed:
19, 20, 21, 35, 36, 46.iii UNDRIP, 55.iv
United Nations SDGs Addressed:
3.4, 3.5
What are community organizations saying?
- Lack of mental health support for grief related to suicide loss and substance use.
- Lack of mental health support for people dealing with trauma.
- Lack of mental health support for people dealing with addictions.
Being a community-based [mental health] organization, just like all the others out there, funding is always a concern and is something that we need in terms of being able to sustain the level of programming that we provide right now. But also to expand and grow because our demand is very high right now and we’re having difficulty meeting that demand.”
Community Stories
Improving Mental Health Services for Substance Use and Suicide Prevention
Why is this happening?
Saskatchewan communities have experienced a significant surge in substance use and suicide in the past few years. According to the latest figures from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, 1,180 people have died because of drug overdose and suicide since 2020. Saskatchewan is ranked third after British Columbia and Alberta in the number of opioid deaths per 100,000 population (Figure 5). And while the pace slowed slightly in 2022, the 20% death rate from substance use far exceeds the 2019 rate of 10%.
Opioid Death Rates in Western Canada and Ontario, 2019 - 2022
Opioid toxicity per 100,000 population
No Data Found
Figure 5: Opioid Death Rates in Western Canada and Ontario, 2019 – 2022
Source: Saskatchewan Coroners Service. Drug Toxicity Deaths. August 1, 2023, update.
Drug overdose deaths are occurring across numerous Saskatchewan communities. Table 5 provides a Google Earth visual of 134 communities impacted by overdose deaths since 2020. Looking to eight centres in South Saskatchewan, an upward trend in deaths from substance use is evident. This suggests that these tragedies are not limited to large cities where drugs may be easier to acquire. Smaller communities, rural, and remote locations are also affected.
Overdose Death Locations in Saskatchewan Communities
2020 - 2022
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The Data is Not Available
Overdose Death Locations in Saskatchewan Communities
2020 - 2022
| Location | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Melville |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Estevan |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|
Weyburn |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
Swift Current |
2 |
4 |
5 |
|
Moose Jaw |
7 |
3 |
8 |
|
Regina |
146 |
197 |
141 |
|
Maple Creek |
- |
- |
- |
|
Assiniboia |
- |
- |
2 |
|
Saskatchewan |
324 |
403 |
337 |
Table 5: Overdose Death Locations in Saskatchewan Communities, 2020 – 2022
Source: Left-column visual – Google Earth; Saskatchewan Coroners Office; Regina CTV News. Right-column table – Saskatchewan Coroners Service. Drug Toxicity Deaths. August 1, 2023 update.
While the figures for suicide loss are not as dramatic as opioid deaths, they have been consistently rising since the COVID-19 pandemic as depicted in Figure 6. The 2020 pandemic year recorded a 25% increase in suicides while suicide rates averaged 11% for each of 2021 and 2022.
Deaths by Suicide, Saskatchewan
2019 - 2022
No Data Found
Figure 6: Deaths by suicide, Saskatchewan, 2019-2022
Source: Saskatchewan Coroners Service, June 6, 2023.
The Saskatchewan Drug Task Force report released in 2021 finds that unmanaged mental health problems and personal trauma are the two leading factors that contribute most to substance use (pg. 76).⁵ This report also cites additional reasons – poverty, homelessness or lack of affordable and supported housing, unemployment, stigma, and lack of early intervention – that can exacerbate already difficult situations for people living with addictions. Therefore, accessing adequate and timely mental health support is vital for individuals living with addiction and other mental health challenges.
The findings from the Task Force also confirm that lack of trauma-informed care (i.e., care providers who recognize and understand the symptoms), mental health supports, and access to treatment are the three main barriers experienced by affected individuals. Community organizations also conclude that necessary mental health supports are limited in many municipalities.
We all need a safe place where we can have open discussions about mental health and I feel our mission is to remove the barriers to getting help... We have a list of counsellors that specialize in trauma, anxiety and depression... Just as training people with medical first aid for physical health has saved lives, training people in such things as mental health first aid and psychological first aid can save lives also.”
Seeking Timely and Flexible Mental Health Support with CMHA - Weyburn Branch
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Weyburn Branch provides a variety of recovery-focused mental health programs for people of all ages and their families. The Weyburn Branch has five priority service delivery areas including advocacy, psycho-social programming, public education, vocational rehabilitation services, and youth programming.
Tasha Collins, Program Director at CMHA – Weyburn Branch, explains how the organization has evolved over the years. She says, “back in 2011 when I started at CMHA mental health wasn’t something many people talked about or were aware of, so we used to do a lot of activities and events to build awareness of mental health and what we do in the community. We have seen a lot of growth in understanding the need for mental health services in our community.”
CMHA’s awareness has grown over the years while programming has also expanded. However, Collins notes challenges to find funding that is not tied to specific projects. They are limited to applying for projects aligning with available grant opportunities. The projects they deliver with grant funding are impactful, but Collins notes that the impact could be even greater if the funds were directed differently.
“I find that when funding is specific to a certain program it can be difficult to retain staff because their positions are project specific instead of permanent. If we see success in a project and want to expand it, we must find more funding to continue to staff and expand it. If the funding isn’t available, then the projects cannot be delivered and we lose that staff capacity,” Collins explains.
Collins goes on to note the importance of unrestricted operational funding, saying, “we could do some incredible things if we could get extra funding towards our core operations each year. It would create a whole new opportunity for us to expand services where they are needed most and be more proactive. For example, if someone walks into our office today asking for immediate help, we don’t have a therapist or counsellor on staff. Instead, we refer them to Mental Health and Addictions Services with SHA, where they wait for a call back. A person who is reaching out for help today might spiral downward while waiting and then need acute care. If we had the capacity (secured, sustainable funding) we could make a connection with them right away and provide initial supports while they are waiting, increasing safety and support in those situations.”
CMHA – Weyburn Branch can often find funding for activities but cannot easily secure funding for staff members to consistently deliver those activities. Collins has hope that with more flexible funding options they can continue to grow their services and better help the people of Weyburn at their most crucial times of need.
Highlighted actions being taken across South Saskatchewan:
- The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre opened Regina’s first and Canada’s only Indigenous-led harm reduction and safe consumption site in 2021. The centre aims to prevent overdoses and adverse medical effects associated with drug use by supporting individuals 18+ who use drugs under the observation of a Primary Care Paramedic.
- Free take home Naloxone kits are available at 225 locations in 76 communities across Saskatchewan as of 2022.
- In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan commits to spend $49.4 million over five years for mental health and addictions, creating 500 new addictions treatment spaces and a central intake system people can directly contact to self-refer.
- The University of Regina and AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan Inc. launched Project Reportneedles.ca on August 1, 2023 to map discarded needles in public places and then offer targeted supports such as naloxone training and recovery options in places where there is high needle use.
In 2022, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation distributed 7.7% of its total granted funds to support the mental health focus area.
A Story of Hope:
An Anonymous Donor Supports Phoenix Residential Society HOMES Program
For over 40 years, Phoenix Residential Society has provided residential and case management services to individuals in a variety of different programs. They serve individuals with major mental illness, substance use disorders, cognitive and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Their services range from providing community-based supports to 24 hour-staffed apartment buildings.
The HOMES Housing First program provides intensive supports to individuals who have experienced homelessness and have a variety of very complex needs. They are currently supporting 62 individuals who were living on the streets for many years, prior to coming into the program.
After Phoenix Residential Society reached out to SSCF seeking financial support to sustain this crucial program in 2023, an anonymous donor through the Foundation awarded a significant donation towards the HOMES Housing First program.
HOMES Success Story:
This is the journey of one of our now graduated individuals. When we first met them, this individual struggled with the experience of homelessness, substance use, trauma, and aggression that led to frequent interactions with Regina Police Services. For years, their life was marked by instability and they often found themselves in conflict with others due to their aggressive behaviour. Their future seemed uncertain.
With the help of the HOMES program, they found a stable place to call home and they were finally able to focus on their personal growth and well-being. The HOMES program’s support did not just stop at housing; it extended to providing access to mental health services, substance use treatment, and life skills training.
Once settled into their new home, the positive changes became evident. Without the daily stress of survival on the streets, they had the mental space to reflect on their past and set new goals for the future. Over time, the transformation was remarkable. The anger and aggression that once defined them began to subside. They learned effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional regulation techniques. As their self-esteem grew, they started envisioning a different life for themselves.
After years of hard work and dedication, they graduated from the HOMES Housing First program. They had not only maintained their housing, but had also rebuilt their life from the ground up. Today, they live independently in their own house within the community, surrounded by a network of friends and mentors who continue to uplift and support them and in turn, this individual now lends their support
to others.
Vital Reflections:
The following Vital Reflections are questions you can ask yourself to ponder ways to get involved regarding mental health support. These are intended to be a starting point to get you thinking of how you can help within your own individual capacity:
- Can I offer peer support to individuals in recovery or those dealing with mental health challenges?
- How can I reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health in my community?
- How can I support families and friends of individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues?
- Can I volunteer at local addiction treatment centres, mental health clinics, or shelters?
- What fundraising initiatives can I organize to provide financial support to local addiction and mental health services?
Help make a difference. Support your community today.
References
5 Saskatchewan Drug Task Force Report. 2021. Praxis Consulting Ltd. in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan.
