Special online mental health services for Nova Scotia

HALIFAX – As Nova Scotians continue to be deeply affected by recent tragic events, Shoppers Drug Mart has made available online mental health programs to areas of the province affected by the tragedies, in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Health Authority. Immediate and extended families of victims, close friends, neighbours, and others, will be contacted by their postal code and offered unique access, free of charge.

“During these already challenging times, Nova Scotians have been impacted particularly hard by terrible tragedies in their community,” said Jeff Leger (pictured), president, Shoppers Drug Mart. “We want to do what we can to help those who are coping with loss. We hope these resources will help bring them some peace and relief during their time of grieving.”

These online mental health resources have been designed to meet a range of needs and include helpful articles, meditations and full access to SilverCloud Health’s digital mental health platform. A partner of Shoppers Drug Mart, SilverCloud Health’s platform includes confidential, in-depth and interactive programs for stress, resilience, anxiety and depression and includes access to behavioural health coaches (social workers) for one-on-one online support.

NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program teams will continue to support members of the affected communities. They will recommend the online resources to individuals and families who could benefit from these programs as well as provide the unique link allowing them to access the customized services on the website.

“We appreciate Shoppers Drug Mart’s response to the needs of our affected communities at this time by expanding their access to online support,” said Sam Hodder, NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program senior director. “NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program is committed to providing high-quality mental health and addictions care and support. Virtual care and support is an important component of our care continuum. This partnership allows us to offer more ways to connect people with helpful tools and resources.”

About Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With almost 1,300 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada.

About SilverCloud Health
SilverCloud Health is a leading digital mental health company, enabling providers, health plans and employers to deliver clinically validated digital health/therapeutic care that improve outcomes, increases access and scale while reducing costs. The company’s multi-award-winning digital mental health platform is a result of over 17 years of clinical research with leading academic institutions. SilverCloud is used by over 300 organizations globally to meet their populations’ mental health needs. Learn more at www.silvercloudhealth.com.

About Nova Scotia Health Authority
Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) provides health services to Nova Scotians and a wide array of specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. NSHA operates hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners and volunteers. Visit nshealth.ca for more.

The Shoppers Drug Mart/SilverCloud resources are offered in addition to mental health and addictions programs and services across the province, which can be found at https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/