Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy: A community of connections

The City of Calgary, other orders of government, local organizations, and community members have worked together to develop a mental health and addiction strategy specifically for our city.

Issues related to mental health and addiction are complex and finding the right support at the right time can be a time-consuming and often overwhelming challenge for individuals and their families.

This strategy and action plan are about helping Calgarians to find hope and support. We all need help and support at various times throughout our lives. While one in five Calgarians both young and old alike will experience a mental health issue or prolonged illness in their lifetime, five in five Calgarians can help make life better. This strategy views health in a holistic way; including body, mind and spirit; knowing that belonging and connection are vital to our health.

The strategy has been endorsed by a community-based Stewardship Group and will be presented to Council for approval by Q2 in March 2021. Council has earmarked up to $25 million for this priority.

The development of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy, including Calgary’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, has been profiled in the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Learn more about the process Calgary took to develop Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy.

Learn where to get emotional wellness support during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.