(Supplied)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

collaboration needed

Community report for Red Deer looks at DEI in mental health care

Jun 2, 2025 | 5:30 PM

A newly released report takes a closer look at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as it pertains to mental health services in Red Deer.

The report came out of a World Cafe event held in June 2024, and was conducted by the Alberta SPOR Patient Engagement Team (AbSPORU), and the Person-Centred Care Research Team at the University of Calgary.

Partners included Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership (RDLIP), the Rural Mental Health Network, Rural Development Network, Alberta Human Rights Commission, and Alberta 4 Health Research.

“This report highlights that Red Deer has made meaningful strides in newcomer inclusion, but there is still a need to build more sustained, inclusive, and representative engagement across all sectors,” says Dieulita Datus-Hall, program manager at RDLIP.

“It also highlighted that newcomers would like the mental health care system to prioritize the following: great health care professionals, emotional supports for community members, low economic barriers, equality and diversity in health care, as well as community support and involvement.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

The organization believes collaboration from all levels of government is needed to make these goals come to fruition.

“We believe that meaningful collaboration and partnership are essential to advancing mental health equity,” added Tiffany Barbosa, provincial lead of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion World Cafes in rural Alberta, University of Calgary.

“By working together, we can better understand local needs, align efforts, and avoid duplication. This approach ensures that our collective work is responsive, informed, and impactful.”

At the cafe event, questions included, but were not limited to:

• What do you think are some qualities of a mental health care system that prioritizes equity?
• What are some current mental health resources and supports that you think have worked well in your community?
• What are some challenges or barriers you think exist when supporting mental healthcare for your community?
• What are some ways that mental health care providers can adjust their services to be more inclusive of diverse communities and people?

RDLIP and study organizers held a subsequent World Cafe event last week in Red Deer to release these results.

“This event is about more than a report — it’s a step forward in creating more responsive and inclusive mental health services for Red Deer’s growing newcomer population,” said Vine Morrissette, program coordinator, RDLIP.

“This is a call to action to ensure our services are effective and promote mental wellness for all.”

RDLIP is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

To learn more, visit rdlip.ca.