Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, announces funding for recovery-orientated mental health care. (Image: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

27 Community Organizations

Additional $5 million for addiction and mental health supports in Alberta

Aug 19, 2022 | 2:11 PM

The Alberta Government has announced an expansion of funding aimed at helping people struggling with addictions and/or their mental health.

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis says $5 million will be given to 27 community organizations across the province to provide recovery-oriented care at the community level.

“Our focus when it comes to mental health and addiction is to ensure that every Albertan has every opportunity to improve their lives and recover from the challenges they face,” says Ellis. “This new grant funding of $5 million will help more Albertans improve their mental wellness, engage positively with their communities, and connect with family.”

The funding includes $3 million to help Albertans recovering from a range of addiction and mental health challenges such as social isolation, grief, trauma, and eating disorders.

$1.5 million will support organizations offering mental health and wellness support for youths. Minister of Children’s Services Matt Jones says supporting the mental health and wellness of youths is critical to their wellbeing, now and into the future.

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“These targeted investments into a variety of services will ensure more young Albertans across the province receive mental health supports helping to build stronger foundations for the rest of their lives,” says Jones.

Another $500,000 will be targeted at First Nations and Metis communities to provide culturally-appropriate programs and services.

Medicine Hat-based Our Collective Journey received the largest funding boost at $725,000. They plan to use the money on peer support programs for Albertans who are experiencing issues with addiction, domestic violence, and suicidal ideation.

The full list of grant recipients can be viewed on the Alberta Government’s website.

The new round of funding is in addition to the $87 million announced in July 2022 for youth mental health supports in schools.

READ MORE: Alberta to spend $87 million on youth mental health supports in schools

Meantime, Alberta NDP Mental Health and Addictions Critic Lori Sigurdson, says ensuring Albertans have access to addiction and recovery support is a vital priority for all Albertans but more must be done.

“The organizations receiving funding today do amazing work but we also know social agencies across Alberta are fighting an uphill battle due to the UCP’s cuts to critical programs, including affordable housing, income support, rental supplements, and more.

“The opioid crisis has deepened with too many Albertans dying from preventable drug poisonings every day. Yet, the UCP government has reduced access to harm reduction services, preventing vulnerable Albertans from receiving life-saving care and further increasing pressure on emergency services and other frontline responders.

“The Alberta NDP continues to call on the UCP to deploy an effective, evidence-based response to address this crisis with compassion and medical expertise.”

Albertans experiencing addiction and mental health challenges can contact 211 Alberta, the Addiction Helpline, or the Mental Health Helpline for support, information, and referrals.

(With files from rdnewsNOW)