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Alberta government announces new panel to tackle mental health and addictions

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan announces the 23-member panel to improve mental health services

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government says it’s taking steps to help improve access to mental health and addiction services.

On Monday, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan announced a 23-member panel that will investigate how to improve access to treatment and recovery services.

The panel will be co-chaired by Pat Nixon, founder of the Mustard Seed and Laureen McNeil, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary region.

Members also include Chief Dale McFee of the Edmonton Police Service, Calgary-Glenmore MLA Whitney Issik and Alison Bichel, Senior Provincial Director at AHS.

“We will strengthen the recovery continuum and give hope to Albertans who are struggling with mental illness and addiction. Recovery will take a front seat in our journey to a healthy and prosperous Alberta,” said co-chair Pat Nixon.

“We have the opportunity to partner, align and create pathways and services that support individuals and families as they pursue recovery,” adds McNeil.

The panel is part of the UCP government’s platform to commit $140 million over four years to improve the mental health and addiction system.