By Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Mental Health Association – Programs & Mental Health

Oct 17, 2019 | 1:28 PM

Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Southeast Region started in this region in September of 1964? That is 55 years that CMHA has offered mental health programming in Medicine Hat and surrounding area. CMHA is one of the many local non-profit organizations that provides support in our community. We are a regional voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all people while supporting individuals and families experiencing mental illness.

Although CMHA is part of a tri-level organization that has national, provincial and regional branches, each region is individually incorporated with its own local Board of Directors and strategic plan. This allows our organization an incredible amount of flexibility in meeting the local needs of our community. No core funding is provided to CMHA regions from the provincial or national branches nor does CMHA receive any core government funding. Although we do have some core contracts that allow us to offer our programs, we rely greatly on donations from our community to enhance the programming and ensure services are available to everyone. All the money we receive through donations and fundraising stays in Medicine Hat and surrounding area to improve the mental health of our region.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will develop a mental illness at some point in their lives. In Medicine Hat, this works out to approximately 13,000 people. Consider that the mental illness of each of those 13,000 individuals has a broad impact. Not only will it affect the individual, it will impact his/her family, friends, employer/employment, socioeconomic status, health status, etc. Essentially, this means that nearly every citizen in Medicine Hat will be impacted by mental illness at some level.

The work of Canadian Mental Health Association reduces stigma surrounding mental illness and addictions by providing support, education and training in the community. Through our programs, we are building the community’s capacity and resiliency in supporting and responding to the needs of those with mental illness and addiction. In the long term this means people impacted by mental illness and addictions will have access to the services they need when they need them.

CMHA currently has eight programs in operation. The Suicide Prevention Program is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, training and monitoring suicide prevention and promotions. Suicide Prevention is a major focus of the efforts of the CMHA as suicides and suicidal behaviors have been increasing at an alarming rate in Southern Alberta.

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The Mental Health Education Program provides education and support about mental illness and promotes mental health though various presentations and workshops, support groups, and displays. CMHA currently offers four support groups in Medicine Hat throughout the year.

The Financial Administrator Program assists individuals who struggle with managing their finances by encouraging and teaching budgeting skills. It helps them with banking and bill paying, and encourages increased financial stability to meet the basic need for food and shelter with the hope of decreasing their reliance on community crisis services.

The Community Helpers Program talks to youth and asks them who they would turn to for support in a mental health crisis. CMHA then connects with this “natural helper” and offers them education, training and support to increase their knowledge and skills in supporting a youth in a mental health crisis.

The Permanent Supportive Housing Program assists the chronically and episodically homeless maintain permanent housing. This program supports them in maintaining that housing and connects them resources in the community to address any issues or needs they may have.

CMHA also has the Addiction Crisis Program with two addiction workers assisting individuals who are in crisis situations as a result of addiction. This program supports them in connecting with appropriate addiction resources.

Elder Abuse Education and Collaboration Program is working in collaboration with the community to map the resources for seniors experiencing elder abuse, identifying gaps and educating the community about elder abuse.

The POST Second Hand Store provides a supported work environment for many individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. All proceeds generated from sales remain in the community and are used to fund CMHA programs and services.

CMHA is proud to be a part of Medicine Hat and surrounding area and works diligently on issues of mental health, mental illness, suicide, homelessness and addiction. We believe that acceptance into the community, a personally satisfying quality of life, social justice, self-determination, appropriate and adequate resources, and support are critical to mental health. CMHA looks forward to continuing to offer our programs and services in Medicine Hat and surrounding area for at least another 55 years.

If you have any questions, please contact Cori Fischer at the CMHA office by calling 403-504-1811, ext. 105, emailing cfischer@cmha-aser.ca. You can also visit our website at www.cmha-aser.ca and our facebook page at www.facebook.com/cmha.albertasoutheast, contact us on twitter @CMHA_ASER or on instagram @cmhaaser.