Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan (Photo: Government of Alberta / Flickr)

By Shaun Penner

Mental Health Supports

Mental health supports always available to those in need: Associate Minister Luan

May 12, 2021 | 1:48 PM

Just as Mental Health Awareness week has passed in Alberta, the Associate Minister for Mental Health and Addictions is reminding residents of the Grande Prairie area that help and resources are always at the ready for those facing any type of mental health issue.

Being well aware of the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all Albertans, Jason Luan says that the province responded early in the pandemic by providing grant funding to help services adapt to reach people who were feeling increasingly isolated.

“Whether it is the mental health hotline, addictions hotline, kids help line, Text4Hope, 211, or various virtual mental health, virtual counselling access,” said Luan. “So, we drastically increased that.”

Luan gave kudos to the many organizations in the Grande Prairie area who have worked hard to adapt their services to meet the needs of their clients.

He points to groups like the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, the Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter and Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau, who quickly applied for grant funding to go towards Youth Navigator positions within their organizations.

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Luan says over $800,000 in funding has gone to such initiatives in Grande Prairie over the last year.

“I want to give credit to the non-profit, community groups in that region for being very active and being responsive to this opportunity.”

Luan also points to the many groups in the Grande Prairie area who offer help and support. He says one of the easiest ways to access those supports is by calling, texting or chatting with 211.

“All you need to remember is dial 2-1-1. 24/7, doesn’t matter where you are.” said Luan. “If you dial that number… they will connect you to wherever is best for you.”

The mental health resources available in the Swan City include:

• Canadian Mental Health Association – Alberta Northwest Region: 780-533-2349
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team (ICAT): 780-833-4323
• C&Y Mental Health and Addiction Services: 780-538-5162
• Suicide Prevention Resource Centre: 780-539-6680
• Suicide Distress Line: 1-877-321-2747
• Suicide Crisis Line: Text ‘HOME’ to 686868 or call 1-833-456-4566
• Mental Health Services: 780-538-5162
• Addiction and Mental Health Services: 587-259-5513
• Alberta’s Mental Health Support Line: 1-877-303-2642
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: 1-855-242-3310
• AHS Addictions Helpline: 1-866-332-2322
• Friends From Afar: email friendsfromafargp@gmail.com
• Alberta 211: Call or text 211
• Alberta 811 Health link: Call 811