Government of Canada invests $914,911 to support the mental health of families with premature children

Pandemic-related challenges, including increased financial stress, isolation, and difficulties obtaining childcare have all led to negative impacts on families’ mental health. The Government of Canada is committed to promoting positive mental health in communities across the country and strengthening the mental health of families.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced nearly $1 million in funding to Préma-Québec for their project to support the mental health of siblings and parents of premature children. This project will offer services, workshops, and materials to support these families’ well-being, and help them cope with related mental health challenges. The project will also support health professionals who work closely with these families. The project will reach families all over Québec.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investing in community based mental health promotion projects that focus on reducing systemic barriers. Today’s investment supports mental health and wellbeing during the early years of life by promoting protective factors and addressing the underlying determinants of mental health and health equity for children, youth, young adults and their caregivers.

This announcement is part of a $100 million investment provided in Budget 2021 to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.