The focus of Wednesday's COVID 19 update was on Albertan's mental health. Premier Kenney announced The Government of Alberta is spending more than $53 million to implement more online, phone and in-person mental health and addiction recovery support to make it easier for Albertans to access services from anywhere in Alberta during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of Alberta is investing $21.4 million to improve access to phone and online supports with existing helplines, including the Addiction Helpline, the Mental Health Helpline, the Kids Help Phone and the Community and Social Services Helpline (Alberta 211).

The funding announced also included the following allocation.

  • $2.6 million to expand individual and group treatment to address family violence, addiction and mental health for Albertans
  • $4.2 million to expand the addiction and mental health support available through Primary Care Networks
  • $25 million for a new community grant program to enhance community mental health and addiction recovery for the public, including Indigenous communities, seniors, families, and people experiencing social barriers, who are negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Deena was able to relay only a limited amount of data, due to a technological glitch 126 new case 1996, no new deaths had been reported. She will provide a more detailed numbers update Thursday.