Province investing additional $6.7 million to provide student mental health programs throughout school year

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 15, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

The UCP announced this week it will be extending its Mental Health in Schools pilot program by increasing investment to support each school division across the province to ensure the program will continue throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Funding is focused on improving the delivery of mental health supports and services as well as providing tools, training and resources for students and the school community by helping local school divisions launch initiatives to meet the unique needs of their students.

With the new $6.7-million investment the province says it has provided more than $50 million in funding for mental health pilot projects offered in Alberta schools.

Some programs include hiring more in-school psychologists and social workers as well as delivering mental health literacy programs and providing professional development and training for staff.

Specifically, this added funding will extend 59 projects that were set to end this December, through the entire school year.

“By funding dozens of mental health pilot projects, we are helping drive local solutions while also gathering the information necessary to help inform decisions on supporting student well-being across the province for years to come,” reads a statement provided by Education Minister Demetrios Nocolaides.

At the end of the school year, school authorities will be asked to submit reports of their pilot programs to help guide the province in future mental health and wellness funding.

“This extension will assist locally elected school boards in their continued work to address the mental health and well-being of students in their communities,” states Marilyn Dennis, president of the Alberta School Boards Association, in the same release.

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