Mental Health in Alberta – A Call to Action for Change

Nov 21, 2024

Alberta’s Mental Health Landscape: Challenges, Hope, and a Path Forward

At CMHA Calgary, we’ve always believed in the strength of our community and the importance of mental health care that meets the needs of every Albertan. But as we dive into the findings of the State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report, we see a stark reality: our province is grappling with significant mental health challenges that demand urgent attention.

Let’s talk about what’s happening in Alberta, the progress being made, and how we can collectively work toward a future where mental health is a priority—not a luxury.

The Challenges We Can’t Ignore

• Substance Use and Opioid Crisis
  Alberta is facing a devastating toll from the opioid crisis. At 39.4 deaths per 100,000 people, our rate of opioid toxicity deaths is nearly double the national average. Indigenous communities, in particular, are experiencing disproportionate impacts, highlighting a critical need for culturally safe and effective interventions.
• Rising Suicide Rates
  Mental health struggles continue to claim lives across Alberta. With a suicide rate of 14.3 per 100,000—well above the national average—this crisis touches all corners of our province, from urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton to rural and First Nations communities.
• Access to Care Falling Short
  Many Albertans are not getting the mental health support they need. Only 5.5% of Alberta’s health budget is allocated to mental health, far below the recommended 12%. This gap leaves people waiting, struggling, and often seeking help in emergency rooms instead of accessing the community-based care they deserve.
• Housing and Mental Health
  Imagine trying to prioritize your mental health while worrying about keeping a roof over your head. With housing costs skyrocketing—up 20% in the past year—and no rent control in place, affordable and stable housing is out of reach for many. For those already vulnerable, this creates a vicious cycle of stress and instability.

Progress and Opportunities for Change

It’s not all bleak. Alberta is making moves toward addressing these challenges, and there are bright spots worth celebrating:

• Recovery Alberta: This newly launched initiative promises to expand access to treatment for mental health and addiction. It’s a step in the right direction for Albertans who’ve felt left behind by the system.
• Youth Suicide Prevention: With a $4 million investment in youth suicide prevention programs, Alberta is taking action to protect our young people—a crucial move to tackle this heartbreaking issue.
• Innovation in Crisis Response: There’s growing momentum for civilian-led mobile crisis response units, which can provide compassionate, effective support without the need for police intervention. This approach has shown success in other provinces and could make a huge difference here.

Why This Matters

At CMHA Calgary, we see the direct impact these challenges have on our community. Every story we hear—whether it’s someone struggling to find affordable housing, a family mourning a loss to suicide, or an individual navigating recovery from addiction—underscores the urgency of this work.

This is about more than just numbers. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring every Albertan, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has access to the care, support, and resources they need to thrive.

How You Can Help

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen alone. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Speak Up
   Advocate for better mental health funding and services in Alberta. Talk to your local representatives, share your story, and push for mental health care to be treated with the same urgency as physical health.
2. Support Community Organizations
   Organizations like CMHA Calgary rely on community support to provide programs and services. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your contributions make a difference.
3. Be a Mental Health Ally
   Start conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and check in on your loved ones. Small actions can have a big impact.

Looking Ahead

Alberta has a long way to go, but with innovation, community support, and sustained advocacy, we believe a better mental health system is within reach. Let’s work together to build a province where no one falls through the cracks.

Join the conversation and learn more about the State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 by visiting CMHA’s website. Together, we can create the change we need.