Funding for mental health is not keeping up with the demand for services, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Lambton-Kent.
"The increase in funding has not kept pace with the increase in demand for services, so the capacity of the system needs to be built," said Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent CEO Alan Stevenson."But a very important message that if somebody is in need we can provide some assistance as quickly as possible. There are wait times for some services but anybody in immediate need can get help immediately."
On Wednesday, which marks the ninth annual "Bell Let's Talk Day", Stevenson said the need for local services continues to rise.
"The majority are people who have experienced some kind of mental illness, particularly depression or anxiety for a long time but haven't sought help," he said. "What we're seeing is the need for assessment and counselling, treatment and coordination with other health care providers."
Stevenson said the national Bell Let's Talk initiative allows his organization and others to share information about local expertise, services and programs.
On Wednesday, Bell will be donating five cents each time the hashtag #BellLetsTalk is used on twitter, or official videos posted on Facebook and Instagram are viewed.
Over the last eight years, the day has helped raise over $93 million and is expected to surpass the $100 million mark this year.
