This release was issued under a previous government.
Following June’s floods, government responded to increased mental health needs by bolstering supports in affected areas and pledging $50 million in funding to support immediate and future mental health needs.
“I know families are still struggling to deal with the emotional impacts of the June flooding. It isn't easy. That's why we're working hard to provide needed mental health resources so we can get everyone back at their best. Repairing our roads and bridges is only one part of the rebuilding process -- we also have to make sure that Alberta families have people to lean on for emotional support.”
Supports provided since the June flood include:
- up to 15 mental health experts deployed and on shift at all times at the High River Welcome Centre
- 28 additional mental health workers brought in from B.C. to support evacuees
- visits by clinical staff to local hotels housing evacuees
- 6 additional child and youth mental health experts are being hired
- training and education for disaster responders and flood victims, including suicide prevention training, loss workshops and psychological first aid
- the appointment of a Chief Mental Health Officer
- the distribution of more than 85,000 resources, such as information on where to access counseling services and how to manage stress
- the translation of resources into languages used by impacted people living in the new temporary neighbourhoods – including Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog
- work with Parent Link Centres, daycares and schools to get information to parents for children
“The flood disaster is unprecedented in our province and the emotional impacts are only beginning to be seen. I encourage those who are impacted to seek the supports that have been made available. The investments that government is making in mental health will not only benefit people who continue to suffer as a result of June’s disaster, but will lay the foundation for improved mental health services across the province.”
As part of its ongoing commitment, the government will release $9.2 million in grant support to organizations that are providing emotional and mental health supports to persons in floods areas.
“With a proven link between a disaster like the flooding and an increase in mental health issues, people can be vulnerable in times like this. We are very pleased to have the support of the Government of Alberta to be able to meet the immediate mental health needs of residents in Calgary and High River.”
Further investments in mental health include enhanced-community based services, new programs targeted for Aboriginal populations, support to build mental health resilience in youth, and increased education and training for responders. This will benefit all Albertans, including those who have lived through disaster situations.
Following June’s floods, there was increased access to mental health services in affected communities, including a significant increase in access to crisis lines, increase in dispensed prescriptions for mental health drugs, and an increase in noticeable anxiety and depression among school children.
Albertans who are looking for help in managing stress, anxiety, addictions or other issues can call Health Link at 1-866-408-5465 or the Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642. Resources to help parents, children, teachers and anyone else impacted by the flood are available online.
Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Related information
Recognizing the signs/symptoms of stress (pdf)