By rdnewsNOW Staff

In Support Of Free Courses

CMHA Recovery College receives donation to improve mental wellness in Red Deer

Jun 17, 2021 | 1:55 PM

CMHA Recovery College Central Alberta is one of 15 Canadian Mental Health Association ‘Recovery Colleges’ receiving a much-need donation to support its free courses.

According to local officials, experts work with people with lived experience of mental health issues at these centres to create free programs to support anyone looking to enhance their self-care skills, overall sense of wellbeing or develop the confidence they need to face life’s challenges. Recovery Colleges are open to anyone regardless of their mental health status.

Since the onset of the pandemic, officials further note that our collective mental health continues to deteriorate.

Research from CMHA and the University of British Columbia (UBC) found 41 per cent of Canadians reported a decline in their mental health in 2021, compared to 38 per cent in the spring and 40 per cent in the fall of 2020.

To help support these much-needed mental health services, Shoppers Drug Mart and its associates have donated $500,000 to CMHA to enhance and expand the cross-Canada network of community-based learning centres, including CMHA Recovery College Central Alberta.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

The donation also celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program, which partners with women’s health organizations to support women during difficult times and make an impact locally.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all Canadians, officials say women and men have not been impacted equally when it comes to mental health.

Recent research from CMHA and UBC found that nearly half of Canadian women (45 per cent) say that their mental health has declined since the onset of the pandemic, significantly higher than the 35 per cent reported by men.