Premier Jason Kenney announces investment into mental health. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province announces $53-million boost to mental health funding

Apr 15, 2020 | 3:50 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is investing what it says it the largest investment into mental health in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know people are struggling right now, and we want Albertans to know that help is there for them through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” says Premier Jason Kenney. “Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring folks have the support they need to cope and stay mentally healthy during these tough times, which is why our mental health response is the largest in Canada, with funding greater than all other provinces combined.”

With a recent poll conducted by the province, Kenny said 74 per cent of Albertans felt their mental health was being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 34 per cent felt “depressed” or “hopeless” at least once per week.

The funding will be allocated as follows:

$21.4-million will improve access to phone and online supports with existing helplines, including the Addiction Helpline, Mental Health Helpline, Kids Help Phone, and the Community and Social Services Helpline (Alberta 211)
$2.6 million to expand individual and group treatment to address family violence, addiction and mental health for Albertans
$4.2 million to expand the addiction and mental health support available through Primary Care Networks
$25 million for a new community grant program to enhance community mental health and addiction recovery for the public, including Indigenous communities, seniors, families and people experiencing social barriers, who are negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

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This is in addition to the previously announced $140-million to create publicly-funded addiction recovery spaces for more than 4,00 Albertans.

by David Opinko