Alberta launches new mental health and addictions agency, Edmonton marks Overdose Awareness Day
Global News
While families remember loved ones lost to toxic drug overdoses, they question whether the province's new health agency called Recovery Alberta will be the change that is needed.
On the heels of International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 31, the province launched its new health agency called Recovery Alberta on Sunday. The service will focus on delivering mental health and addictions services as part of Alberta’s health care restructuring.
Alberta Health Services will be reorganized into four different sectors operating within more defined parameters. AHS will work alongside primary care, continuing care and mental health and addiction care, which are in the process of branching off.
According to the province, more than 10,000 staff working in AHS addiction and mental health, and correctional health services, are moving to Recovery Alberta. They will continue to operate and manage contracts for about 1,650 psychiatric beds, 1,350 addiction detox and treatment beds, and health services for more than 4,800 people.
“This summer, I had the chance to hear from many front-line staff about the work being done to improve patient care by prioritizing mental health and addiction services,” Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams said in a statement.
“Together, we have an opportunity to make meaningful and lasting changes to improve the wellness of Albertans, and through Recovery Alberta, we will make it happen.”
The province says mental health and addictions have been an afterthought within the broader health-care system.
However, the transition of mental health and addictions services to Recovery Alberta is being questioned by harm reduction group Moms Stop The Harm.
Co-founder Petra Schulz says the province did not consult all groups that oversee addictions treatments and substance harm reduction. She believes the province doesn’t offer a variety of options to minimize substance abuse risks.
