Partners for Mental Health applauds Alberta government's commitment to the mental health of children and youth

Alberta Government commits $5 million to expand mental health services for children and families.

OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Partners for Mental Health congratulates the Government of Alberta for its $5 million investment to expand mental health supports for children and families. Partners for Mental Health also commends Health Minister Fred Horne and Human Services Minister Manmeet Bhullar for showing such commitment to the mental health of children and youth in the province.

"Sadly, 3 out of 4 children and youth with a mental health problem or illness will not receive treatment," said Jeff Moat, President of Partners for Mental Health. "And those who require mental health services are often not able to access it, unless their families are wealthy enough to pay for services privately."

At the end of 2013, Partners for Mental Health launched their new Right By You campaign which calls on governments to do right by our youth, making psychological support services available to all children and youth, not just to those whose families can afford to pay for them. The Right By You campaign has rallied over 25,000 Canadians to sign a petition of support.

"Monday's announcement is a big step forward in ensuring mental health-related services, treatment and support are available to children and youth when they need it" says Moat. "We encourage other provincial and territorial governments to follow Alberta's lead."

About Partners for Mental Health

Partners for Mental Health is a national, charitable organization dedicated to transforming the way we think about, act towards and support mental health in Canada. Partners for Mental Health aims to mobilize millions of Canadians to drive change by participating in campaigns, events and activities including influencing policy, volunteering and fundraising.

Learn more about the Right by You campaign and Partners for Mental Health.

SOURCE: Partners for Mental Health

James Kenny
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
613-786-9958
[email protected]