Chinook’s Edge School Division welcomes newly announced plans to expand mental health supports for students in all grades across the province, says superintendent Kurt Sacher.
Under the Mental Health Capacity Building initiative announced last week, more than 100,000 students will be able to receive counselling and other emotional supports.
The $5-million provincial grant program will be used to hire staff and build new school-based community mental health programs, say officials.
“We are really enthusiastic about the government’s direction,” Sacher told the Gazette. “To see the government investing in student mental health is something that we quite frankly applaud. It’s a direction that our staff are certainly sensing in schools as needed. We need the support.
“We go out and visit every single school and we talk to our teachers and our staff that are on the front line, and I would say to you that I don’t know if I could find a school where they haven’t acknowledged some of the changing mental health needs and social and emotional needs for students.”
There are mental health needs at all grade levels, he said.
“Right across the board there is a need,” he said. “We are just seeing more challenges from a mental health perspective than we’ve seen in the past.
“It really challenges our staff when they are dealing with those complexities with students. To see the government take the initiative to at least get started on support is sure appreciated.”
Prior to the new funding, mental health funding in the province supported about 65,000 students.
In a news release, Education Minister David Eggen said the new initiative will have community-wide benefits.
“Our government is working to make life better for children and young Albertans struggling with mental health issues,” said Eggen. “I’m so pleased to see this new funding going to such an important cause that will truly make a difference for students across this province.
“New mental health staff will be hired to work with schools to deliver supports for children and youth struggling with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationships.”
Health officials are also welcoming the new initiative.
“The mental health of children, youth and their families affects us all,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, Alberta Health Services CAO.
“This funding allows us to expand and improve the mental health services young Albertans need.”
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman added: “We’ve heard from concerned parents and educators of a growing need for counselling and other mental health programming. Making sure kids receive these supports is key to setting them up for future success.”
Superintendent Sacher says the division is awaiting further details of the new program.
Chinook's Edge has schools in Olds, Sundre, Didsbury, Carstairs and Cremona.
