AHS marks Mental Health Week with events in South Zone

LETHBRIDGE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) invites Albertans to boost their mental health by taking part in activities marking Mental Health Week, which runs today until May 12.

‘Connections’ is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Week in the AHS South Zone. Making a connection with others, even in very simple ways, can build personal resiliency and also help communities to thrive.

AHS invites Albertans to participate in Mental Health Week events in their community. In the South Zone, these events include:

Lethbridge:

• May 8, 1 p.m.: Presentation on resiliency for staff and students at Lethbridge College in Room TE 1228.
• May 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Mental Health Café (in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association) at Lethbridge Public Library. Learn about mental health and talk with some community partners about improving one’s mental well-being.
• May 9, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Kids and Drugs workshop at the Family Centre in the Melcor Centre, #225 200 4 Ave. S. Parents can learn about ways to build resilience in their children and prevent substance use. Registration required by phoning the Family Centre at 403-320-4232.

Medicine Hat:

• May 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: A display will be set up at the Medicine Hat Public Library. Stop by for information, resources and promotional items related to mental health and mental wellness.

All events are free and, unless stated, no registration is required.

While mental illness affects one in five Canadians, mental health touches everyone. If you are struggling – whether it's day-to-day stresses, a loss of a loved one, home or job, or family crisis – know you are not alone. There are supports in place to help you cope. Help can come in many forms and some may need more support than others. For more information on mental health and/or addiction services near you, call Health Link at 811 or visit ahs.ca/amh.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.