The province and the federal government joined forces to introduce more health funding for Saskatchewan, including $158 million for mental funding, but one man says it’s not enough.

Todd Rennebohm has struggled with mental health issues. He runs an art gallery in Indian Head and much of his work is inspired by his own battle.

“I figured if I tell my story, maybe other will do the same.” Rennebohm says, “Being quiet perpetuates the stigma.”

After making the decision to get help with his mental issues, Rennebohm says he was surprised at how difficult it actually was to get medical attention.

“When I drove there, I was at a breaking point,” Rennebohm told CTV News. “I thought I would get help right away, only to find out that I was being sent home.”

Now, in addition to speaking out through art, Rennebohm has launched an online petition calling for a provincial mental health minister, in addition to the health minister.

“Being through the mental health system, I know that the system is lacking.”

So far the petition has garnered more than 500 signatures. It also has the attention of politicians. The NDP says it’s an interesting idea and says more mental health resources are needed.

“People leave emergency rooms suicidal,” NDP health critic Danielle Chartier said Tuesday. “They can’t access the supports that they need.”

But the government says they aren’t ready to jump on board.

“Mental health is a very serious concern, but I would suggest that it’s not good governance to have a special minister for every area of concern,” Health Minister Jim Reiter says. “We think we can address that more with the current structure.”

The province says it’s too early to determine where the money will go, but Rennebohm believes education, prevention and accessible resources would be a good place to start.

“There are some weeks where I’m travelling between five and 10 hours a week to get to all my appointments. I’m not getting the services I need.”

The government is expected to make an announcement on funding distribution in the coming weeks.

 

Based on a report by CTV's Christeen Jesse