Alberta to invest $5.3 million over three years to establish a new live-in eating disorder recovery program. (Photo: Fizkes | Dreamstime.com)

By Sarah Jones/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta to invest $5.3 million in eating disorder recovery for youth

Apr 8, 2023 | 1:55 AM

CALGARY – As part of the Alberta Budget 2023, the province has promised to invest $5.3 million over three years to establish a new live-in eating disorder recovery program in Calgary.

With this funding, young Albertans will have access to intensive treatment in a community setting, reducing the need for long hospital stays.

The new program will boost access to specialized eating disorder treatment and create 12 new publicly funded community-based beds.

This would increase treatment capacity by 200 per cent and support up to 72 additional youth and young adults every year.

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Nicholas Milliken said, “Our goal is to ensure every young person in Alberta experiencing an eating disorder gets the care they deserve.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Milliken went on, “With this funding, we’re expanding access to intensive treatment for youth to better support them in their recovery. This is another step in creating strong recovery-oriented systems of care in communities across Alberta.”

Advocacy from Calgary’s Silver Linings Foundation communicated the need for the community-based program and has already raised more than one million dollars in capital for the construction for a dedicated facility.

Prior to its construction, treatment will occur at an existing Edgewood Health Network (EHN Canada) site, a nationally recognized addiction and mental health treatment provider.

According to the province, this program closes a gap in the continuum of care for individuals between the ages of 13 and 24 who are struggling with complex eating disorders.

Cendrine Tremblay, board chair for Silver Linings Foundation, explained, “We are thrilled to partner with the government to launch Alberta’s first live-in treatment facility for eating disorders. There is a crucial need for this type of facility in our province.”

“Eating disorders have been increasing in youth at an exponential pace since the start of the pandemic and can affect anyone regardless of gender, sex, or socio-economic background. The live-in treatment facility will address a significant gap in the current continuum of care for eating disorders and help provide hope to those impacted by this illness.”

There will be no fees for Albertans to access this treatment, and those with complex eating disorders can be referred through the Calgary Eating Disorders Program.