Minister announces that $2.4 million will be invested into expanding walk-in mental health services and specialized trauma counselling.  

The government hopes that this will help reduce wait times and improve access to important services for all Manitobans when needed. Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage responsible for the Status of Women, Cathy Cox says “Walk-in services and trauma care are an essential part of the continuum of mental health and addictions services.”

The funds will be released over the next three years. It will support the expansion of Klinic Community Health Centre's drop-in counselling program increasing its operations by eight hours a week. This increase will help serve over 600 more Manitobans a year. 

Klinic will also create a full week trauma intake and referral service expanding their ability to help long-term trauma clients to an additional 80 clients annually. “This investment in mental health services will help a greater number of Manitobans in their recovery,” Nicole Chammartin, executive director of Klinic says. 

The Laurel Centre will be receiving a portion of these finances and increase the number of therapists to help an estimated 75 more women a year. According to the Minister, that will reduce the waitlist for services by up to 30 per cent. “Access to timely help is key for so many women trying to overcome traumatic incidents in their lives,” Heather Leeman, executive director of the Laurel Centre says.

Minister Cox shared that women who took part in these programs have reduced their substance abuse or are completely substance-free and over 70 per cent have maintained or obtained an education, employment, or volunteering opportunities.