This release was issued under a previous government.

The Government of Alberta is providing $175,000 to Medicine Hat College for the next three years. This new, equitable funding is part of the $25.8-million investment to protect and improve mental health resources for post-secondary students at all publicly funded institutions across Alberta between 2017 and 2020.

“Our government’s increased investment in student mental health programs is an important commitment to help students succeed. Mental health challenges have a significant impact on far too many students, and we are making these public investments so all students across the province have access to these programs when they need them.”

Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education

“We really care about the success of every student and work hard to anticipate and meet individual needs. This funding increases our capacity to provide support, and that will help students succeed on campus and in their future careers. The whole province wins.”

Denise Henning, president of Medicine Hat College

In June 2017, the province announced new funding that significantly increases and improves mental health supports for post-secondary students across Alberta. Last year, the college received $40,000 from the Alberta Students’ Executive Council, which provided provincial government grant funds to many college campuses across Alberta.

“College can be one of the best times of a student’s life, but also one of the most stressful. This funding will create new opportunities to further encourage well-being on our campus and help all students have a healthy and successful college experience.”

Melissa Benson, vice-president, Internal, Medicine Hat College Students’ Association

The 2016 National College Health Assessment survey conducted at 10 post-secondary institutions across the province showed a high incidence of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. With good mental health supports in place, mental well-being is linked to academic achievement, learning, retention and future achievement.

To find out more about this funding and how the provincial government is improving post-secondary mental health and addictions supports for students, please visit Next Steps to Improve Post-Secondary Student Mental Health.