The provincial government is investing in the mental health and well-being of young Albertans this week with two announcements of additional funding for important causes.
The first investment comes as an additional $1 million into youth suicide prevention grants across the province.
The announcement comes during the provincially recognized mental health week and brings the total number of investments for young Albertans in the mental wellness sector to $4 million over a two-year period.
“Supporting innovative mental health programs for youth is not only vital to improving individual well-being, but also strengthens families, schools and communities," Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, said in a news release on Wednesday. "I’m grateful to partner with community organizations that provide young people with useful tools and strategies that help them recognize and manage their thoughts and feelings.”
Programs funded by the Youth Suicide Prevention Program offer a range of supports for communities, including after-school programs, cultural camps and events and educational workshops.
“When someone is struggling, we want them to know there is help available. Suicide prevention is a priority for our government," said Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams.
The provincial government's investment into mental health resources doesn't stop there. In a news release on Wednesday, Premier Danielle Smith also commented on a new partnership with CASA Mental Health that will see $47 million in capital grants to build live-in and day program youth facilities in three new locations.
“Investing in youth mental health sets young people up for brighter futures and helps strengthen families and communities across Alberta. The new CASA Houses and our strong partnership with CASA Mental Health will provide the care they need, closer to home," Smith said.
The new capital grants will see these facilities built in Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray and Calgary as part of a capital commitment of $75 million over a three-year period (2023-26). This commitment will also support the relocation of the existing CASA House from Sherwood Park to Edmonton.
This grant will also quadruple the number of CASA house beds across the province and allow the facilities to treat more than 300 young Albertans a year.
