The province is providing $4 million for expanded mental health supports in schools. (Photo 57655971 © Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta government expanding mental health support in schools

Apr 27, 2023 | 12:22 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government is expanding mental health support services at 10 schools, including multiple in Southern Alberta.

The $4 million investment allotted in the 2023 budget aims to expand the Integrated School Support Program (ISSP) so more young Albertans can build resilience and improve their mental well-being.

The ISSP is led by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, and provides critical supports that range from meal programs and structured physical education to after-school care and access to a mental health professional.

The expansion will take place in two phases. The first phase will include expanding the program to 10 more schools in communities across the province:

• St. Paul School in Lethbridge
• W.A. Day Elementary School in Fort Macleod
• George Davison Elementary School in Medicine Hat
• Mother Teresa School in Medicine Hat
• G.H. Dawe School in Red Deer
• Lawrence Grassi Middle School in Canmore
• St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton
• St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary/Junior High School in Edmonton
• St. Nicholas Catholic Junior High School in Edmonton
• Wheatland Elementary School in Strathmore

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Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education said, “Every student deserves to go to school and experience positive mental health, which is why our government is committed to continuing to work across ministries to develop critical programming and resources to ensure that all students are supported.”

She added, “Programs such as ISSP, among many other government-funded mental health projects across the province, are all valuable building blocks for a student’s success in and out of the classroom.”

In addition, another $2.3 million over three years has been allocated to evaluate the impact of ISSP and other child and youth mental health supports provided through the Child and Youth Health Services Initiative.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now