COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Alberta’s government is helping everyday Albertans by making record breaking investments in addiction and mental health care.
Budget 2022 includes about $1 billion annually for addiction and mental health care and additional funding of $60 million over three years to build a recovery-oriented system of care. This new funding complements the significant investment of $140 million over four years made by Alberta’s government in 2019 to increase access to a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care.
“Alberta’s government is supporting Albertans in their pursuit of recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. We’ve heard loud and clear that recovery is possible for everyone. Our goal is that every Albertan should have the opportunity to pursue long-term recovery without barriers, and that communities should support that pursuit.”
“Every Albertan deserves access to the care that will facilitate his or her recovery. I’m proud to have been a part of the Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council and our Toward and Alberta Model of Wellness report has validated the need to ensure women in Alberta have access to the services they need.”
The Alberta model of recovery-oriented care is based on the belief that everyone has the right to be supported and face as few barriers as possible in their pursuit of recovery. Alberta’s government is focused on increasing access to a range of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. The system involves a coordinated network of government and non-profit partners who are all working in the same direction to improve outcomes for Albertans.
Recovery from addiction and mental health is viewed as a journey that results in improved health and a better overall quality of life through enhanced relationships, employment, cultural and spiritual balance, community and social participation, and more.
Budget 2022 also prioritizes increasing access to addiction and mental health supports for children and youth, seniors and people with complex needs, as well as making it easier for Albertans who come into contact with the judicial system to access recovery-oriented support. Alberta’s government will also continue to address the increased need for mental health and wellness supports as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rising number of opioid-related overdose fatalities.
“The government’s commitment to an Alberta model of addiction and mental health care is welcome. Building a more effective recovery-oriented system will result in better outcomes. I look forward to seeing the positive difference the new investments under Budget 2022 will make in the lives of Albertans.”
“I’m pleased the see the progress Alberta’s government has already made to address the Council’s recommendations. By recognizing there are many ways to pursue recovery and working to strengthen the entire continuum of care, the government is giving hope for recovery to people experiencing addiction and mental health challenges.”
Alberta’s government has been, and will continue to be, guided by the recommendations of the Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council. Toward an Alberta Model of Wellness has provided Alberta’s government with a framework for transformative change to build a recovery-oriented system of care.
The council made three main recommendations to support the transformation to a recovery-oriented system of care:
Work is already underway to build a recovery-oriented system of care and increase access to services. Actions to date include: