This release was issued under a previous government.

The Government of Alberta is providing $175,000 to Lakeland College for each of the next three years to improve mental health supports on campus. The funding is part of $25.8 million the province is investing over the three-year period to protect and improve mental health resources for post-secondary students at 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

In June 2017, the province announced new funding that significantly increases and improves mental health supports for post-secondary students across Alberta.

“Lakeland College is thrilled to receive this post-secondary student mental health funding commitment from the Government of Alberta. With this funding, Lakeland is able to enhance the personal support systems we have in place for students to feel safe, welcome and heard. Upholding this atmosphere is at the core of our values, and essential to our students’ mental well-being and success.”

Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO, Lakeland College

“Devoting resources to mental health initiatives is an essential part of keeping our post-secondary students healthy. The funding from the Government of Alberta will be used to increase awareness of mental health and to expand mental health services available to students at Lakeland College. Students facing mental health challenges need to know that help is available, that they have the supports they need and that they are not alone."

Hannah Musterer, president, Lakeland College Vermilion Campus 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.