All addiction and mental health programs offered through Alberta Health Services will be under one umbrella going forward. Restructuring these services under the Provincial Addiction and Mental Health portfolio is one of the first directives Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams has taken in response to Premier Danielle Smith’s mandate letter.
In a statement, Williams says that no matter what part of the province Albertans live in they should be able to access mental health and addiction programs. He argues the organizational shift will help create a consistent and effective approach to dealing with mental health and addiction across the province.
“I am proud to be working closely with AHS to deliver these services for Albertans, young and old,” the Peace River MLA says.
According to the provincial health authority, several services and programs have been overseen and run separately throughout the province’s five healthcare zones, with the remainder being run through the Provincial Addiction and Mental Health portfolio. The ministerial directive means all programs and services will be under the one provincial program.
“Programs and services will continue to be provided at a local level, based on local needs, and delivered by local frontline staff,” reads the announcement from AHS. “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.”
The shift is not expected to impact funding for programs or services.
