This letter constitutes an urgent plea for significant improvements to mental health services within our community. The current state of mental health care is inadequate and failing to meet the critical needs of our residents. Specifically, we request the reinstatement of the DBT group therapy that stopped due to Covid. Now that we can meet freely in groups again, this therapeutic experience would be an immensely helpful start to making these corrections to the mental health care system in Moncton.

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the following issues:

 * Insufficient Access to Care:

   * Long wait times for appointments with therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals.

   * Limited availability of beds in inpatient facilities and inadequate aftercare support.

   * Shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas.

 * Inadequate Funding and Resources:

   * Insufficient funding for community-based mental health programs, including prevention, early intervention, and crisis services.

   * Lack of resources for mental health education and awareness campaigns.

 * Stigma and Discrimination:

   * Persistent stigma surrounding mental illness, leading to discrimination and barriers to seeking help.

   * Lack of awareness and understanding of mental health issues within the community.

These issues have severe consequences, including:

 * Increased rates of suicide and self-harm.

 * Worsening mental health conditions, leading to chronic illness and disability.

 * Increased strain on emergency services and the healthcare system as a whole.

 * Negative impacts on individuals, families, and the overall well-being of our community.

We urge you to take immediate action to address these concerns by:

 * Increasing funding for mental health services.

 * Expanding access to care by increasing the number of mental health professionals and improving appointment availability.

 * Investing in community-based programs, such as crisis hotlines, support groups, and peer support services.

 * Raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma.

 * Prioritizing the mental health needs of all community members, including vulnerable populations.

We believe that by working together, we can create a more supportive and compassionate community where everyone has access to the mental health care they need. We look forward to your prompt attention to this critical matter.

Thank you.