Medicine Hat College to pilot mental health support program

May 6, 2022 | 4:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Post-secondary students have been one of the groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A move to virtual classrooms, lack of job opportunities and social isolation are just some of the factors affecting a student’s mental health.

Medicine Hat College has been selected as one of five schools across Canada to pilot a three-year peer support project to address the issues. Health Canada announced today it will invest $2 million to fund the project, to be led by the Canadian Mental Health Association. MHC will work alongside the CMHA – Southeast regional branch to implement the program.

The college says a large portion of the funding will be put towards curriculum development, peer support training and dedicated staff.

Jennifer Kerslake, director of community engagement for the college, is excited for the opportunity to provide a robust support program.

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“We’re thrilled about this partnership,” Kerslake says. “It gives us an opportunity to implement a robust peer support program within our institution and work really closely alongside our local CMHA. We’re excited not only for our students but also for our community.”

She says the pilot program will give access to students across the board.

“This program will align across all services within the institution to really support our peer supporters as well as our students as a whole,” Kerslake says. “We’re so proud that we were able to obtain this funding.”

Kerslake says work is already underway to draft a curriculum plan which will start up for students this fall.

by Gates Guarin

Medicine Hat College to pilot mental health support program

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