YELLOWKNIFE (May 6, 2014) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy today launched Mind & Spirit, a wellness magazine to raise awareness of mental health. The magazine will help inspire people to talk about mental health as it shares success stories of individuals dealing with and overcoming mental health and addiction issues. It also provides information on the services that are available to residents seeking help.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 18, 2014) – The NWT Disabilities Council will operate the Dene Ko Day Shelter in Yellowknife throughout April and May 2014.

“This gives us time to work with community partners to develop a plan for daytime services by September,” said Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services.

The program will continue to provide drop-in daytime shelter services in the same building until May 31.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 17, 2014) – Northwest Territories residents can expect to see significant improvements to territorial cancer care services in the next three years. The Department of Health and Social Services has signed funding agreements with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to implement two projects focused on improving the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cancer patients in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, we are making the final preparations for our new Med-Response clinical support line for community health workers. This innovative project is a priority in the Department of Health and Social Services strategic plan and advances the 17^th Legislative Assembly’s goal of ensuring a fair and sustainable health care system. It uses technology to connect people with services and it will be an important part of our effective, efficient health system.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 4, 2014) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy has accepted all recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) Report on Child and Family Services. “The wellbeing of children and families is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Abernethy.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 4, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories will introduce new, more secure birth certificates on April 1, 2014.

“The new birth certificate will be highly secure and durable, similar to those issued in most provinces,” said Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy. “Creating a more secure document is an important way for the Government of the Northwest Territories to help Northwest Territories residents protect their identity.”

Mr. Speaker, we are transforming the way we use technology to deliver health care to our residents. People all over the world use secure, accessible technology for banking or to connect with their friends and family. Now we can use it to improve access to health services and provide better care to our residents.

Mr. Speaker, investing in prevention, education and awareness, and early childhood development are priorities of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.

On March 4^th and 5^th, the Department of Health and Social Services will host the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership Symposium. The theme is Sharing Voices, Inspiring Hope: FASD in Northern Communities - Finding Solutions that Work.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 13, 2014) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ annual Drop the Pop campaign has begun in schools across the NWT. This is the ninth year of the pan-territorial campaign, which is part of the Healthy Choices framework. Schools across the North that participate are eligible to be acknowledged with a cash award for their efforts to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. A total of 17 NWT schools are being recognized as winners for their activities from the 2013 campaign. The theme for last year was Food for Thought.

Mr. Speaker, a key priority of this government is to make sure that NWT residents have access to the right tools and supports that they can choose from to help overcome addiction issues and poor mental health. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our residents have as many options as possible to help them move forward on their path towards wellness.