Alberta Health Services logo. Photo Credit: Alberta Health Services

By Shane Clausing

mental health

AHS recruiting for Addiction and Mental Health Advisory Council

Feb 6, 2020 | 5:00 AM

Alberta Health Services is recruiting Northern Alberta residents to become members of a new Addiction and Mental Health Parent & Family Advisory Council.

They are seeking people who are passionate about healthcare, and who are interested in listening to the experiences and insights of those living with addiction and mental health issues.

“We’re looking to recruit 12-15 individuals that are passionate about making a difference in the area of addiction and mental health, in particular, a focus on (children) in youth programs and services,” said Susan Given, Executive Director for North Zone Addiction and Mental Health for AHS.

“We are looking for individuals with lived experiences, that could be either a family member, sibling or friend. I think it’s really important for us to have a really diverse group of individuals representing our north and remote communities.”

The reason for the council stems from an open house a year ago in Grande Prairie, where many people raised concerns and said that a council like this would be beneficial for the community.

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“It was facilitated by our Peace Health Advisory Council. There was some really good dialogue with our community and some really difficult conversations,” said Given. “I think what came from there was the recognition that we really need to be more inclusive of our families and given an opportunity to be listening and mindful of their insights in their experiences in addiction and mental health.

“We’re hoping that this piece of work that we’re initiating will help give a little bit more of an opportunity for that feedback and voice in our program and services.”

Council members will be providing AHS with feedback on current programs and services, participating in quality improvement projects related to child and youth programs and services in the north, and listening to those with lived experiences and insights on the services that AHS provides.

If you’re interested in applying for the council you can connect with Jody Walker at 780-518-9834 or jody.walker@albertahealthservices.ca. The applications are open to all residents.