A mental health and addictions clinic is re-opening in Jasper today, four days after residents returned to the town, to help with the shock and trauma of the wildfire destruction people there are now facing.
The Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre addiction and mental health community clinic resumed operations today, August 19, and will include walk-in clinic offerings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning next week according to the release.
As residents of Jasper return to their community, Alberta Health Services (AHS) recognize that it will be a challenging, stressful, and emotional time. AHS has resources and services available to help residents during these difficult times.
According to an AHS release, addiction and mental health staff are present at the re-entry centre for anyone who requires support. Staffing has also been enhanced to meet the needs of the community.
“Everyone deals with stress differently and traumatic events can have a big impact. It’s important to remember, it is okay to ask for help. Addiction and Mental Health services will be present in the community throughout the re-entry process,” said the release.
Other mental health and addiction resources remained at wildfire reception centres in Hinton, Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie over the weekend and afterwards if required.
For mental health support services near you, call or text INFO to 211 or visit ab.211.ca. 211 is available 24/7 and has phone services in more than 170 languages. 211 can also provide a hand-off to affordable, no-wait counselling through Counselling Alberta at 1-833-827-4230 or counsellingalberta.com. Wildfire evacuees can access counselling free of charge.
“AHS is working with the community of Jasper to develop and implement a wellness and recovery plan to provide strategic supports to the community in the coming months and beyond,” said the release. “A long-term plan is also being developed to provide additional resources for local children and youth.”
Additional information about addiction and mental health supports are available at AHS’ Help in Tough Times webpage. AHS also provides wildfire resources for Albertans at AHS.ca/wildfire, including mental health, air quality, and emergency planning links.
The Indigenous Support Line is also available for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, to answer questions and help support culturally appropriate care. The Indigenous Support Line can be reached at 1-844-944-4744 from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
