Improving delivery of mental health and addiction services

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to consolidate all mental health and addiction services under the organization’s Provincial Addiction and Mental Health portfolio, a step that will improve provincial alignment and achieve better outcomes for Albertans.

This restructuring is underway following a directive from Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Dan Williams, and in response to the Mandate Letter given to Minister Williams by Premier Danielle Smith.

“We have an important responsibility to ensure that no matter what part of the province is called home, individuals can access the best mental health care and addiction treatment we have to offer. I am proud to be working closely with AHS to deliver these services for Albertans young and old,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

“This is a positive step that will help ensure a consistent and effective approach to mental health and addiction services across Alberta. It will greatly enhance our ability to provide these necessary and important services to Albertans, wherever they live,” said Dr. John Cowell, Official Administrator, Alberta Health Services.

Currently, AHS provides a significant number of supports and services through its Provincial Addiction and Mental Health portfolio, with a number of services and programs overseen and run separately through AHS’ five Zones.

In response to the Ministerial Directive, all programs and services will be consolidated under the one provincial program. This consolidation will not impact funding for programs or delivery of services.

“We have excellent, life-saving programs and services that are available to Albertans when and where they need it, and that will not change. This step will improve coordination and oversight of those services, resulting in a more consistent, effective system of care,” said Mauro Chies, President and CEO, AHS.

Programs and services will continue to be provided at a local level, based on local needs, and delivered by local frontline staff. The consolidation of programs and supports will also help ensure they are aligned with the government’s recovery-oriented approach to mental health and addiction.

“We are very proud of the programs we provide to Albertans in need of mental health and addiction support, and we are extremely grateful to our frontline teams who help deliver this care every single day,” said Kerry Bales, Chief Program Officer, Provincial Addiction and Mental Health, AHS.

“This step will strengthen our ability to offer consistent, coordinated mental health and addiction care across the province, and we look forward to working with the Minister and government to fulfil this mandate.” 

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.