Provincial funding for MHC aims to tackle mental health issues on campus
Alberta’s Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt made a stop at Medicine Hat College on Wednesday to announce $175,000 in new funding per year over the next three years to help MHC fund enhanced student wellness and mental health initiatives on campus.
“We know these resources are much needed,” said Schmidt in his public comments. “Last year the National College Health assessment surveyed 10 canvasses across Alberta and found that feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, depression and anxiety were all too common. In fact, more than one in 10 students seriously considered suicide, and one in 50 actually attempted it. We cannot, and will not, let this heartbreaking state-of-affairs continue.”
MHC president and CEO Denise Henning said the money was much needed and would be put to good use.
“It’s powerful, because last year we measured outcomes on students who were in crisis (here at MHC),” explained Henning. “In the first eight weeks, we were up by 42 per cent over the year before. As we look toward the future one of the indicators is depression will be the highest healthcare need. When it comes to dealing with that we need to have the right professionals and the ability to connect our learners with the community and with the agencies that are available if they have additional needs.”
Henning also confirmed MHC staff were working closely with student representatives to determine the funds’ best use.
Melissa Benson, vice-president internal for the MHC Students’ Association, said a plan should be in place by October on how to use the additional funding.
“I really hope we are able to have more counselling initiatives on campus,” stated Benson. “Right now as a students’ association we have peer counselling, but to be able to have a one-on-one counsellor you can go and see more readily available would be good. Because there is a bit of a wait right now.”