Recovery Alberta will be fully operational as of Sunday, September 1, 2024. (File photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

New health agency ‘Recovery Alberta’ begins operations Sept. 1

Aug 30, 2024 | 1:50 PM

A major milestone in the Government of Alberta’s efforts to restructure the healthcare system is just around the corner.

They say Recovery Alberta officially begins operations as of September 1, 2024.

It is a new provincial health agency focused on delivering public mental health and addiction services.

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams says it is an exciting time for healthcare.

“This summer, I had the chance to hear from many front-line staff about the work being done to improve patient care by prioritizing mental health and addiction services,” says Williams. “Together, we have an opportunity to make meaningful and lasting changes to improve the wellness of Albertans, and through Recovery Alberta, we will make it happen.”

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Recovery Alberta will have more than 10,000 staff members who will operate and manage contracts for 1,650 psychiatric beds, 1,350 addiction detox and treatment beds, and health services for more than 4,800 people in provincial correctional facilities.

The province says in a news release that the delivery of mental health and addiction services has typically been an afterthought within the broader healthcare system.

By having a dedicated agency, the government claims that it will allow for strategic planning and resource allocation to better meet the needs of Albertans.

Back in May 2024, the province introduced legislation to break up AHS into four separate agencies, which would be focused on primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addictions.

Recovery Alberta will be the first one to be in full operation.

The province has been working with the senior management at AHS and Recovery Alberta to ensure a smooth transition of services.

The 2024 budget allocates more than $1.13 billion to mental health and addiction services in Alberta.

READ MORE: Alberta introduces legislation to break up AHS, establish new health agencies