By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

mental health

CMHA in Red Deer could temporarily close doors due to COVID-19

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:54 PM

Times are stressful right now at the Canadian Mental Health Association in Red Deer.

The organizations offers various types of mental health programming to clients from around central Alberta. With the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing for the foreseeable future, what could happen to that programming is somewhat up in the air.

“The people really stressed out are our staff. The Red Deer location hasn’t shut down, but our Calgary partner has, so most of our staff’s stress revolves around how our participants are going to be helped if we arent available,” says Christine Stewart, executive director. “Mental health is going to be impacted if we don’t have crisis counsellors or drop-in services.”

As far as clients, Stewart reminds that not everyone has a close circle of support.

“Because it hasn’t hit so much here (in the Red Deer area) yet, most of our clients are still concerned about the change to AISH dates, but we do anticipate people to have some anxiety, which is its own diagnosis. Many people will really focus on this and panic,” she says.

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“The key message is that we all need to take precautions, but you still have to live. Make sure you’re looking after yourself and getting the food you need. Don’t starve yourself to avoid going to the grocery store.”

Stewart says if the Red Deer office does close, they won’t be able to offer the same help they always do, including handing out of vouchers to be used at the Mission Thrift Store, as well as bus passes, nor provide assistance with Enmax-related situations.

They will be making efforts to ensure some staff can take phone calls, however. People will also be encouraged to call 211 in order to be connected to a crisis counsellor.

A decision on how to move forward will be made this week, Stewart adds.

Meantime, a partner of CMHA, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, has set up services for those who are feeling too unwell to come in or attend a session.

E-counselling via video chat and phone call sessions are both available. Clients can call 403-340-1124 to arrange a chat session. The CASASC text, webchat, and phone help line for those experiencing sexual violence remains available 24 hours per day at 1-866-956-1099.

More information on the COVID-19 pandemic is at AHS.ca/covid and Alberta.ca/covid19.